The Plymouth High School Band program has had a spring filled with success stories. After two years of Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) events being canceled or changed to a virtual format due to COVID, the Pride of Plymouth Bands were able to get out and begin competing again this spring.
“All of our bands have been working hard this spring to prepare for the annual ISSMA competitions,” said Plymouth Band Director Bryan Ames. “Our Jazz Ensemble was the first to compete with the state jazz contests being held in March.” The Plymouth High School Jazz Ensemble competed at this event at LaPorte High School where the band earned the Gold Award rating and additionally earned a “With Distinction Award.” “The With Distinction Award is incredibly hard to get as you have to score nearly perfect scores from all three judges,” said Ames. The Plymouth Jazz Ensemble not only earned the top honor, they did it with an incredible set of three perfect scores from the judging panel. “Plymouth High School was the only jazz ensemble in the State of Indiana to earn a completely perfect score from all three judges. Our kids were ecstatic and excited that we were able to perform our best program at the event.” The ensemble additionally won two Outstanding Soloist Awards going to sophomore Beck Ruggles and senior William Kingston.
In April, the Plymouth concert bands both attended the ISSMA Organizational Contest held at Concord High School. The Symphonic Band earned a Gold Award rating along with an additional “With Distinction Award” for nearly perfect scores. The Wind Ensemble, the top band at Plymouth High School, performed at Purdue Fort Wayne’s “WindFest” event and then, went on to perform at the ISSMA contest. The Wind Ensemble also earned a Gold Award for their performance at the event.
The spring music competitions complete an outstanding year of state competitions for the band program. With the success of the marching band this fall, solo and ensemble competitions this winter, and the band competitions this spring, the Pride of Plymouth will have earned the prestigious “ISSMA All-Music Award” presented only to the band programs who earn top honors at all events throughout the school year. This will be the band’s eighteen consecutive year earning this award. “I am very proud of our kids and all they have been able to accomplish this year. We pride ourselves on having a well-rounded program in which the kids are successful in all areas of the band program. This year, was no exception and our kids did a fantastic job representing our school and community with pride,” said Ames.
Congratulations to the Pride of Plymouth on their awards at the ISSMA competitions this spring!
Provided by PHS Band Department
