Noland Belt, Nick Blue and Mackenzie Rossman, members of the Portage High School Band directed by William Timmerman and Drew Rhode, have been selected to participate in the 56th Annual Indiana All-State High School Band Festival sponsored by the Indiana Bandmasters Association.
Each student earned this honor by participating in a highly competitive audition held early in January at nine centers across Indiana. Over, 600 talented young musicians applied to audition. A selection committee then review recordings form each center. One hundred sixty-seven outstanding students from forty-eight high schools have been selected for participation in the 2016 Festival. Russell V. Gross, Jr., Chief Musician U.S. Navy Band (retired), will direct the 84 piece Indiana all-State Band. In addition to the regular Indiana All-State Band, there is a select Honor Band. Dr. James Ripley, from Carthage College will direct the 83 member Indiana All-State Honor Band.
All members will participate in a series of activities including seating auditions, sectionals, and full rehearsals from Friday, March 11 through Sunday, March 13. A free grand finale concert will be presented to the public on Sunday, March 13 at 2:30 PM in the Elliott Hall of Music on the Purdue University - West Lafayette campus. Directions to Elliott Hall of Music may be found on the IBA website at www.indianabandrnasters.org