Marion, Indiana – The Marion High School (MHS) band program has once again proven its excellence, earning the prestigious All Music Award from the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) for the fifth consecutive year. This achievement cements the band’s place among the best music programs in the state, a remarkable feat that highlights the hard work, dedication, and talent of the students and staff involved.
Each year, ISSMA organizes several music competitions across Indiana for students in various disciplines, from solo performances to large ensemble contests. The All Music Award is the highest honor ISSMA offers, recognizing the best music departments in the state. To qualify for this coveted award, a school’s music department must receive gold ratings in four critical competitions: Solo and Ensemble Contest, Jazz Organizational Contest, Concert Organizational Contest, and the ISSMA Marching Band competition.
The MHS band’s continued success in securing this award is no small feat. To achieve this honor, the band must have excelled in each of these competitions. This year, MHS received gold ratings in all of them, including a top-tier performance in the Solo and Ensemble Contest, where the band entered at least one solo and one ensemble in Group I. In addition, the band earned gold in both the Jazz Organizational Contest and the Concert Organizational Contest, the latter of which featured their wind ensemble performing at the Group I level. Furthermore, Marion’s marching band participated in the Summer Showcase, earning another gold rating in the ISSMA Marching Band competition.
“I am exceptionally proud of the work all of the band students put in this year, and I am extremely thankful for the dedication and commitment to excellence displayed in their performances,” said MHS Director of Bands, Joshua Huff. His gratitude reflects not only the success of the band but also the countless hours of practice and teamwork that have contributed to this achievement.
The All Music Award is a testament to the students’ hard work and the guidance they receive from their teachers. The MHS band program’s success is a reflection of the students’ passion for music and their commitment to continuous improvement. This fifth consecutive win is a significant milestone and serves as a reminder of the exceptional talent nurtured within the Marion Community Schools.
The community has expressed immense pride in the band’s achievements. This recognition puts the MHS band program on a pedestal, alongside other top-tier music programs in the state. The support from the school administration, the band’s teachers, and the Marion community has been crucial in providing a solid foundation for the band’s continued success.
As the school year progresses, the band program’s reputation continues to grow, attracting attention from both prospective students and their families. Marion Community Schools has opened enrollment for the upcoming year, and students interested in being part of one of the best music programs in Indiana are encouraged to apply.
This remarkable achievement is a testament to the passion and dedication of MHS’s music students, teachers, and the entire school community. Congratulations to all involved in earning the ISSMA All Music Award for the fifth consecutive year!
