Concert band earns 3rd place in ISSMA State

By Shireen Korkzan
<skorkzan@hilite.org>

On May 9, Wind Symphony I, this school’s top concert band, competed in the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) State tournament at Lawrence Central High School and earned a 3^rd place ranking out of eight. Sixteen bands competed all day with Wind Symphony I being the third ensemble to perform.

Rachel Wagner, Wind Symphony I trumpet player and junior, said the band worked hard to prepare for the competition.

“I felt like getting 3^rd was a good representation of all the hard work we’ve done,” Wagner said.

Penn High School from Mishawaka earned a 2^nd place ranking and North Central High School from Indianapolis won the State championship; this final win ensured a sweep for North Central this year under the Concert Organization category.

Richard Saucedo, director of bands and performing arts chairperson, said he was thrilled with how Wind Symphony I’s score held up all day.

“I thought the performance was amazing,” Saucedo said. “I was thrilled with the way the band played and that our score held up long enough for the judges to remember us.”

Rusty Briel, executive director for ISSMA, said he enjoyed Wind Symphony I’s performance.

“It was an excellent, very good performance; just super.” Briel said. “I think (the State competition) shows the excellent quality of student music performances in Indiana and Carmel band is an excellent example for all to see and be proud of.”

Saucedo said Wind Symphony I will participate in ISSMA again next year.

State Champion – North Central
2nd Place – Penn
3rd Place – Carmel
4th Place – Lawrence Central
5th Place – Avon
6th Place – Bloomington North
7th Place – Center Grove
8th Place – Warren Central

Finalists:
Castle
Elkhart Central
F.J. Reitz
Gibson Southern
Goshen
Hamilton Southeastern
Jasper
Lake Central