Music department highlights statewide honors and expanded participation

Josh Huff, music department head for Marion Community Schools, told the school board the district’s music programs had “a really successful year,” citing ensemble and individual honors at statewide contests and festivals.

Huff said McCullough ensembles and Marion High School groups earned high-level distinctions at Indiana Music Educators Association and ISMA events, including “gold with distinction” designations for vocal and instrumental ensembles and multiple All‑State and All‑District student selections. He said about 500 students in grades 6–12 participated in music ensembles this year and that marching and concert bands continued to rack up circuit and state awards.

Huff outlined a busy concert calendar for May 11–16 that pairs concerts with the district art show and invited the public to attend. He also thanked staff and praised incoming high‑school choir director Gavin Litchfield, saying Litchfield “has done a remarkable job” rebuilding choir participation and culture.

Board members credited the music staff’s community outreach, noting the gospel choir’s out‑of‑school performances and the program’s role at local events. One board member said the music staff “are true community champions” for giving time outside school hours.

The presentation closed with the board thanking Huff and the teaching team for their work sustaining free access to music programs and for giving students performance opportunities across the county.