The Lawrence Central Marching Band (the "Spirit of Central Marching Band & Guard") is a two-time Bands of America Grand National Champion, receiving the award in 2001 and 2004. The marching band is also the 2002 BOA Grand National Runner-Up and 2008 Grand National Second Runner-Up. At BOA Grand National Finals, the marching band has won the Outstanding Visual caption award in 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2008 (tie-Avon High School). The marching band has been a consistent BOA Grand National Finalist since 1996. The marching band has also won the ISSMA State Marching Band Championship in 1997, 1998, 2000, and 2008. The marching band has also performed in multiple parades, including the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day parade in 1996 and 2002, the Hollywood Christmas Parade in 1999, the Tournament of Roses Parade in 2005, the 2006 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the 2008 Fiesta Bowl Parade. At the 2008 Fiesta Bowl National Band Championship, the band won first place and the Grand Master Trophy. They are also the first band to win in the new Lucas Oil Stadium(Four Times) and the first to achieve a perfect score in the percussion sub-caption in 2008. All three bands have not won a silver or lower since 1984 in the ISSMA competitions.The Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra at Lawrence Central also both won their respective titles as ISSMA State Champions in 2005, as they have on a few occasions in the past, including a recent 2008 win. Lawrence Central is also home to two award-winning show choirs. "Central Sound" and "Sweet Sensation", who both compete in the ISSMA State Show choir competition along with other invitationals throughout the year. For the last three years "Sweet Sensation" has placed a respectable third place at the State Competition and placed first at Center Grove in 2008 and also at Anderson HS in 2007. The Central Sound was undefeated at all of the regional competitions they attended in 2009. Central Sound placed 3rd in the Nation at the Showstoppers Invitational in Orlando, Fl in 2009. Other performing arts programs include Thespian Society, Winter Guard, and Jazz Ensemble, as well as an award-winning speech team.
The Lawrence Central Performing Arts Association [3] is the "umbrella" parent-teacher organization which engages families in activities involving each or all of the performing arts programs. It provides a novel approach through collaborative support, uniting all members in activities, regardless of which group their child is in, to benefit the program as a whole. Activities include fund-raising, volunteerism, and public relations.
