Marion, Indiana – The McCulloch Junior High School music department has once again proven its excellence, achieving the Indiana State School Music Association’s (ISSMA) highest honor for the 10th consecutive year. McCulloch remains the only school in Indiana to earn the J/M/E Total Department All Music Award every single year it has been offered, setting a standard of excellence that few can match.
This year, McCulloch is one of just six schools across the entire state to receive the prestigious award. Their consistency and commitment to excellence make this accomplishment even more remarkable.
Each year, ISSMA hosts a series of competitions that challenge music students throughout Indiana in various areas of performance. The All Music Awards serve as the culmination of these competitions, representing a complete and balanced excellence across multiple categories. Music programs that earn this award are considered among the very best in the state.
“We are so proud of our students’ hard work! Being the only school in the state to qualify for this award every year it has been offered is really special, and we are grateful for the support of our administration, our families, and our community,” said McCulloch choir director Christina Huff.
To earn the All Music Award, music students must excel across three major ISSMA events, achieving gold ratings in each. Those events include:
• Solo and Ensemble Contest, where at least one solo and one ensemble must enter in Group I, II, or III
• Jazz Organizational Contest
• J/M/E Organizational Contest
Success in all these areas shows the department’s strength in individual performance, group ensemble work, and jazz music—all essential elements of a well-rounded music program.
Because McCulloch’s students achieved gold ratings in both choir and band events, the school was awarded the Total Department distinction, one of the highest honors a music program can achieve through ISSMA. Earning this award requires consistent excellence from many students across multiple disciplines, highlighting the dedication of both the performers and their teachers.
The All Music Award at the junior high level was first introduced in 2015, and McCulloch proudly became the inaugural recipient. Since then, except for the 2019-2020 school year when awards were paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic, McCulloch has won the award every single year, an unmatched record of achievement.
This 10th consecutive win reflects not only the students’ musical talents but also the incredible support from the school’s leadership, the families, and the broader community. Maintaining such a high level of performance over a decade is no small feat, especially given the challenges that music education programs can face in changing times.
To celebrate and share their accomplishments, McCulloch’s talented music students will soon be performing at several year-end concerts. These performances offer a great opportunity for the community to enjoy the hard work and passion that earned the school such high honors once again:
• The 7th grade choir will perform at 6 p.m. on May 12 at the McCulloch Junior High School auditorium.
• The 8th grade choir will take the stage at 6 p.m. on May 13, also at the school’s auditorium.
• The combined 7th and 8th grade band will present their show at 6 p.m. on May 14 at the MHS Walton Center’s main stage.
These concerts promise to be a wonderful showcase of the students’ musical skills and creativity, a reflection of the outstanding program McCulloch continues to build and sustain.
The McCulloch Junior High School music department’s achievement serves as a reminder of what is possible when students are encouraged to pursue excellence, and when dedicated teachers provide them with the tools and inspiration they need to succeed. The award not only celebrates musical achievement but also the values of perseverance, teamwork, and passion.
As the McCulloch community gathers to celebrate these remarkable young musicians, there is no doubt that their tradition of excellence will continue to inspire future generations. Congratulations to the students, teachers, families, and everyone who played a role in this historic 10-year milestone!
