Hagerstown, New Castle percussion compete at state

Hagerstown Indoor Percussion Ensemble placed 15th in state competition on Saturday, March 29, after qualifying during March 22 prelims in Brownsburg.

It’s the first time Hagerstown competed at Indiana Percussion Association’s state contest in the Concert A level since 2018.

State finals took place at Indiana State University’s Hulman Center in Terre Haute.

HIPE’s show is called “My Letter to the World.”  According to the program, a lone voice seeks connection through messages sent into the unknown. As the journey unfolds, isolation transforms into understanding as others receive and respond. The show celebrates the power of personal expression and its ability to inspire, connect and endure.

HIPE directors are Jon Tredway, Adam Comer and Kendra Sanders, assisted by staff Luke Aylsworth, Brent Smith, Emily Horner and Brandon Sanders.

Muncie took the top prize in Concert A. Other competitors were NorthWood, Warsaw, Jimtown, Floyd Central, East Central, Mount Vernon, Knox, Bedford North Lawrence, Jefferson, West Lafayette, Bloomington North, Lewis Cass and Twin Lakes.  

New Castle Open, led by director Rebecca Wand, also performed its show “Prism” at state’s Concert Open category. The show takes multiple colors, textures, orchestrations and styles of music to create a spectrum for the ear as well as the eye.

New Castle placed sixth of seven schools in Concert Open. Pendleton Heights finished first. Additional competitors were Castle, Munster, Elkhart, F.J. Reitz and Lafayette Jefferson.

IPA President Tim Keller said students involved in performing arts are 24% more likely to experience academic success, and students show that involvement in performing arts enhances discipline, critical thinking, engagement and social-emotional development.