(From left) Band Director James Howard, Abigail Graham, Luke Miller, Sophia Ball, Timothy Ellis, and Band Director Sarah Rivers. (Photo provided by Westfield Washington Schools)
Submitted by Westfield Washington Schools
The Westfield Middle School band program has earned the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) All Music Award for the third consecutive year.
To qualify for the All Music Award, the band must have received gold ratings in a solo and ensemble contest, a jazz organizational contest, and a concert organizational contest.
This recognition represents a sustained commitment to high levels of learning, growth, and collaboration as students develop both as musicians and as Life Ready individuals.
To earn the ISSMA All Music Award, programs must meet rigorous criteria across multiple performance areas. WMS students consistently demonstrate excellence through solo and ensemble performances, jazz band competitions, and concert band events, earning top ratings while performing at advanced levels.
“We ask our students to be musicians,” WMS Band Director Sarah Rivers said. “They’re not just looking at the markings and playing notes. They’re understanding the flow of music. They’re growing their understanding and improving sight reading.”
Building skills that go beyond the classroom
For WMS students, band isn’t just an elective or box to check off to graduate. It’s an experience that builds skills aligned to life beyond school.
Students develop discipline, critical thinking, collaboration, and confidence as they prepare for performances and navigate increasingly complex music.
Eighth grade clarinetist Timothy Ellis shared how band has been a consistent source of support and direction.
“I really love the community, you know, the teachers, the family,” Ellis said. “Going in there every day, getting to play my instrument, but also getting to socialize and get to know other people like me is just an amazing experience I couldn’t replace with anything.”
That sense of belonging is echoed across the program. Students consistently describe WMS band as a space where they build relationships while working toward shared goals.
“I love the environment when you walk into the classroom,” said eighth-grade trombone player Sophie Ball. “It’s a lot of fun, and it’s always so satisfying when we get to play through a piece and it all comes together perfectly.”
High standards & strong support
Through individualized guidance and various opportunities via different styles (e.g. jazz, concert), students are encouraged to pursue their interests and challenge themselves.
Eighth grade French horn player Luke Miller credits the program’s support system for helping him reach new levels as a musician.
“My teachers were able to put me in connection with great people who helped me get better at my instrument, and they pushed me and encouraged me,” said eighth-grade French horn player Luke Miller, who received a gold rating at State Solo and Ensemble. “I got to go to All-State with a solo because of their help and their encouragement.”
WMS band directors also emphasize providing access to a wide range of experiences, from beginner-level development to advanced performance opportunities.
The addition and growth of the jazz band program over the past several years has played a key role in the program’s continued success, allowing students to expand their musical experiences and meet ISSMA’s comprehensive criteria.
“We’ve been able to build a well-rounded program that gives students multiple ways to grow,” WMS Band Director James Howard said. “This recognition is a reflection of the effort students put in every day. It’s nice for the kids to be able to see this award and say ‘My hard work has been manifested in this.’”
Preparing students to be Life Ready
At its core, the WMS band program reflects WWS’s commitment to preparing students to be Life Ready. It focuses on helping students develop confidence, resilience, and the ability to contribute as part of a team in addition to the expected artistic and academic growth.
“The (ISSMA) All Music award shows us how far we’ve come and shows how much work all of us kids put into it,” said eighth-grade saxophonist Abigail Graham. “And I think it’s really nice to be recognized for that.”
As the program celebrates its third consecutive ISSMA All Music Award, the focus remains on what matters most: continuing to challenge and support students as they grow into capable, confident individuals prepared for wherever they decide to invest their talents.
