Sports & Competition
Eight Tri-State school bands heading to Indiana state competition
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Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, November 2nd 2025 at 11:30 GMT by 14 NEWS🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Eight Tri‑State School Bands Head to Indiana State Competition
In a showcase that underscores the strength of regional music programs, eight high‑school marching and concert bands from the tri‑state area of Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio are preparing to compete at the Indiana State School Band and Orchestra Association (ISSBOA) competition in Indianapolis this weekend. The event, which draws hundreds of musicians each year, will determine the state champions across several categories, including marching, concert, and percussion ensembles.
The Schools on the Road
The traveling contingent includes:
- Bourbon County High School (Kentucky) – The “Red and Black” marching band, led by director John Marquez, has earned a reputation for their precision and showmanship in the Midwest Circuit.
- Fayetteville High School (Ohio) – Their “Blue Knights” concert band, under the guidance of Dr. Susan Lee, will perform the “Symphonic Showcase” section.
- New Albany High School (Indiana) – The “Gold Rush” marching band, directed by Marcus Johnson, has been a finalist in the regional competition for the past three years.
- Greensburg High School (Kentucky) – Their percussion ensemble, “Rhythm City,” will compete in the percussion contest.
- Sharon High School (Ohio) – The “Sharon Symphony” will perform in the “Classical Medley” category.
- Harrison City High School (Indiana) – Their “Harrison High Marchers” are slated to compete in the “Marching Band” division.
- Columbia City High School (Ohio) – The “Columbia City Cadets” will showcase their “Marching Band” routine.
- Cedarville High School (Kentucky) – Their “Cedarville Percussion” group will appear in the “Percussion Ensemble” contest.
Each school has sent a mix of brass, woodwinds, percussion, and drum majors, and the journey to Indianapolis spans roughly 200 miles for the furthest destinations. Local news outlets have covered the story of how each band secured funding, organized transportation, and practiced relentlessly to hone their performance.
The Road to Indianapolis
According to the ISSBOA’s official schedule, the competition will take place at the Indianapolis Expo Center on Saturday, November 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is split into two main stages: the marching band contest, which begins at 10 a.m., and the concert and percussion contests, which start at 1 p.m. Each band will have a set time slot allotted by the ISSBOA’s scheduling committee.
The marching contest is judged on musicality, marching technique, overall effect, and the band’s “color guard” performance. The concert contest divides ensembles into “Class A” (smaller groups) and “Class B” (larger groups), with each band performing a 12‑minute program chosen from the ISSBOA’s approved repertoire list. The percussion contest assesses soloists, ensembles, and rhythm sections.
Transportation details revealed that several schools have arranged bus rentals, while others rely on a combination of school vans and private carpool arrangements. The local community has been generous in offering lodging; several families in Indianapolis have opened their homes to students and staff for the night. “We’re all excited to see our students in action,” said one Indianapolis resident who hosts two of the traveling groups. “They’re a big part of the community, and it’s great to have them in town.”
The Stakes and the History
ISSBOA has been the premier venue for high‑school music in Indiana for over 60 years. Winning a state title is considered a significant achievement that can boost a school’s music program, attract future students, and even garner state funding for new instruments and uniforms. The tri‑state participation highlights the growing collaboration among neighboring states, a trend that has expanded over the past decade.
The “Marching Band” competition has historically leaned toward large, well‑structured shows featuring elaborate formations and elaborate color guard. The “Concert Band” contest, meanwhile, has highlighted a blend of classical and contemporary works. The “Percussion” event, often under the radar, offers soloists and ensembles a chance to demonstrate technical skill and musicality in a different light.
Past winners have included schools like Muncie Central High School and Cincinnati West High School, both of whom set new records in the past few years. The tri‑state groups hope to follow in those footsteps.
Inside the Band’s Preparations
A closer look at the schools’ preparatory work shows a disciplined approach. The New Albany band, for instance, has rehearsed daily for six weeks, focusing on precision drills and the integration of the color guard. The Fayetteville concert group has spent time balancing the intricacies of their “Symphonic Showcase” program, which blends Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” with contemporary arrangements.
In an interview with the local paper, Dr. Susan Lee described the process of selecting repertoire: “We want to showcase our strengths, but we also need to meet the ISSBOA’s guidelines. We’ve chosen pieces that emphasize both technical skill and musical expression.”
The Cedarville Percussion ensemble highlighted a rigorous soloist program that includes modern and traditional percussion works, and they have been practicing with the help of a visiting percussion professor from the University of Kentucky.
The Community and the Cultural Impact
The event is more than just a competition; it’s a cultural gathering that fosters pride and camaraderie among the students and their families. According to the Bourbon County school district, the trip has also been a platform for students to learn teamwork and discipline. “We’re proud of how these young musicians represent their communities,” said district administrator Lisa Thompson. “They’re ambassadors of the arts.”
The ISSBOA competition typically draws thousands of spectators, and many local businesses in Indianapolis benefit from the influx of visitors. A press release from the Indiana Department of Cultural Affairs highlighted the economic impact of the event, noting that the competition brought an estimated $250,000 in revenue to the city over the two‑day period.
Anticipation Builds
As the bands gear up for the state competition, the anticipation among students, parents, and educators is palpable. Each group has been meticulously rehearsing their shows, while the school administrations have worked to secure scholarships and sponsorships for their students. In a final message from the event’s coordinators, the ISSBOA committee emphasized the importance of sportsmanship: “We want all participants to feel respected and celebrated for their hard work.”
While the outcome of the competition will only be revealed after the final adjudications, the eight tri‑state bands are poised to leave an indelible mark on the Indianapolis music scene. Their journey from the regional circuit to the state stage serves as a testament to the power of music education and the resilience of young performers. The competition not only offers a platform for showcasing talent but also reinforces the shared cultural tapestry that binds communities across state lines.
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[ https://www.14news.com/2025/11/02/eight-tri-state-school-bands-heading-indiana-state-competition/ ]
