Jasper Hosts ISSMA Invitational Featuring 32 Marching Bands

This past Saturday, Jerry Brewer Alumni Stadium was filled with the sounds of booming drum lines, melodies and harmonies of brass and woodwinds, and plenty of cheering fans as 32 marching bands from all over southern Indiana took to the turf for the ISSMA Scholastic Prelims & Open Class Invitational. Many directors begin preparing months, if not a year in advance for each marching season, and each school's marching program pours hours upon hours each season into this unique craft.

The competition began at 11 AM, with the Scholastic division prelims up first. Among these Scholastic bands was the Northeast Dubois Marching Jeeps, who competed for a chance to perform in their state finals contest with their 2026 show, "Common Ground."

The Open Class division began in the mid-afternoon. The Southridge Marching Raider Band took the field at 3:30 PM and presented their show, "Seeking Hyde." Their director, Noah Meece, had this to say about the Marching Raiders' performance on Saturday: (insert Audio 1)

Meece then elaborated on the dedication and time invested by all members, staff, and boosters: (insert Audio 2)

Later in the afternoon, the Forest Park Marching Rangers had their turn to perform with their show, entitled "Do Not Go." Band director Jordan Witt was eager to share how far the Marching Rangers have come this season, even with a smaller group: (insert Audio 3)

Witt then shared what comes next in the process for the Marching Rangers: (insert Audio 4)

The Jasper Marching Wildcats helped round out the evening with their performance of "Fragile Blue: Reflections On Our Home." Director Ben Werne was proud of their run on their home field, saying: (insert Audio 5)

Moving forward, Werne explained what's to come in the next few weeks for the Marching Wildcats: (insert Audio 6)

Bands received ratings of gold, silver, bronze, or participant at last Saturday's contest, along with distinctions in either music, visual, or general effect, dependent on the score of each caption.

The Northeast Dubois Marching Jeeps received a Gold rating in Scholastic Class B. They placed 4th in their division, but learned on Sunday that they did not qualify for State this year.

The Southridge Marching Raiders earned a Gold rating in Open Class D with distinctions in music & effect. The Forest Park Marching Rangers brought home a Gold rating in Open Class D with distinctions in music, visual, & effect. The Jasper Marching Wildcats received a Gold in Open Class B, also with distinctions in music, visual, & effect.

This coming weekend, open class marching bands will compete in ISSMA Regional competitions at schools across the state. For more information on upcoming ISSMA contests throughout the rest of the season, please visit issma.net