INDIANAPOLIS -- An enormous gift-wrapped package, wrapped tight with ribbon, was the lone set piece used by the Elwood Community High School band during the morning competition at the Indiana State Fair.

It holds tremendous significance for a team returning to competition for just the second time after an extended layoff.

"Our concept is the gift," said co-director Paula Simmons. "The gift is the world, which gives us air to breath and water to drink. But it's also young people. These are our future leaders."

As Elwood's performance came to an end, the horn section drew in tightly together for the final, rapturous notes. The band finished in the top 25 during its comeback in 2007.

"Right now we'll just wait," said alto sax player Natalie Warren. "We will be happy with whatever we get. But we have a lot of eighth-graders on the team who are getting some great experience."

As time goes on, Simmons and the rest of the team hope to open up the promise that its young musicians have wrapped inside.