By Renee Larr

For the first time in 10 years, the Fishers Marching Band reached the elite level of the Indiana State School Music Association competition. FMB placed sixth out of 10 bands. FMB is the first school in Hamilton Southeastern School District to make it to ISSMA.

“It was an all-day performance at Lucas Oil Stadium. Schools are divided by their school size. You’re talking several thousand parents and kids at this event,” Props and Equipment Manager Brian Brosmer said. “Getting that first call to get into state was amazing. There is a lot of hard work by these kids. I think the directors knew there was a good chance this year because it’s been a special group as a whole. There is a feeling of professionalism from the kids. Each year you kind of build on the year before. Even though our band is only 10 years old, I think there is a lot of push to compete with a lot of these more established bands. They have such beautiful programs and we want to be in that realm. This past weekend solidified that for us. This was a great start. We are a band now that can compete at that higher level.”

The band was pleased to have the support of the school district and alumni.

“It’s a great confidence boost for these kids. Last year, we just barely missed it. It was kind of a bummer for the older kids,” Brosmer said. “I think the upperclassmen set this as a goal for this year, and the younger kids latched on and agreed. I think the first year the marching band had around 60 kids, and now we’re up to 220, so it’s just great for this program. You’re talking about a huge association. To have the support of school administration and school board behind us, it just made us strong. The principal of the high school was there greeting the kids as they ran out of the tunnel onto the field.”

For more, visit fishersband.org.