Marion, Indiana – This fall, Marion Community Schools is celebrating an impressive achievement as 25 talented band students were chosen to participate in prestigious regional honor ensembles. The students, representing both McCulloch Junior High School and Marion High School, will perform across several events this month, giving local audiences a chance to experience the culmination of months of dedication, practice, and musical growth.
The first ensemble, the Indiana Bandmasters Association (IBA) All-Region Honor Band, features students in grades seven through nine from across the region. After weeks of individual preparation, the young musicians will come together for the first time on Friday, Nov. 15, to rehearse as a full ensemble. The ensemble will then deliver a public performance on Sunday, Nov. 16, at 4 p.m. on the main stage of the Walton Performing Arts Center at Marion High School, located at 750 W. 26th St.
Selected students from McCulloch Junior High School and Marion High School for this ensemble include Damien Anderson (grade 8), Samuel Davies (grade 8), Cymaura Dorsey (grade 9), Hannah Hines (grade 9), Peter Lomagistro (grade 9), Annemarie Sanchez (grade 7), Nathaneil Slinkard (grade 8), Justice Sweat (grade 9), Annibelle Ward (grade 8), and Micah Wayman (grade 8). These students represent a mix of experience levels, from rising seventh graders to confident ninth-grade performers, all demonstrating remarkable skill and commitment.
At the same time, several Marion High School students will participate in the Indiana Jazz Educators Association (IJEA) All-District Jazz Honor Band. This ensemble, aimed at students in grades nine through twelve, offers the opportunity to perform under the guidance of Matt Pivec, Director of Jazz Studies at Butler University. The students will rehearse on Nov. 15 in Pendleton, before presenting a public performance at 4 p.m. at Pendleton Heights High School. Marion students selected for this jazz ensemble include Gavin Johnson (grade 11), Justin Peters (grade 12), Jehren Smithley (grade 12), and Manuel Trejo (grade 12).
Finally, the IBA All-District Honor Band will bring together students in grades nine through twelve for another weekend of musical collaboration. These students will rehearse on Nov. 22 and perform on Sunday, Nov. 23, at 4 p.m. on the main stage at the Walton Performing Arts Center. Selected Marion High School students for this ensemble include Madelynn Boogar (grade 11), Dakhota Daley (grade 12), Elaina Dunham (grade 10), Mackenzie Herring (grade 10), Hannah Huff (grade 10), Evelynn Lopez-Gomez (grade 12), Axel Ortiz (grade 11), Justin Peters (grade 12), Hannah Smith (grade 12), Jehren Smithley (grade 12), and Manuel Trejo (grade 12).
For many of these students, participation in regional honor bands offers an invaluable opportunity to learn from experienced directors, collaborate with peers from other schools, and refine their musical skills. The ensembles also provide a platform for students to challenge themselves and grow as performers, whether in classical band settings or in jazz-focused environments.
Marion Community Schools is proud to host two of these honor ensembles locally, providing the community with the chance to witness exceptional young musicians in action. The performances promise to be a celebration of talent, dedication, and the enriching power of music in student life.
As Marion students take the stage in November, their hard work and achievements highlight the strength of the school’s music programs and the commitment of students, teachers, and families to fostering artistic excellence. Residents are encouraged to attend and show their support, experiencing firsthand the energy, skill, and passion these young musicians bring to their craft.
