On Saturday, January 31st, Cathedral band and orchestra students competed at the ISSMA Solo and Ensemble competition at New Palestine Intermediate School. Organized by the Indiana State School Music Association, the event provides student musicians with the opportunity to showcase their musical skills, either individually or in small groups, and receive professional feedback and critiques from judges.

The competition is divided into multiple categories, including vocal, piano, wind, percussion, and string performances. Vocal and piano students are listed in the same category, while wind, percussion, and string musicians are listed in another category.

Each competition day features 8 districts, with four performing in one category and four in the other. Student musicians can earn a gold, silver, or bronze medal or a participation ribbon based on the score they receive.

Ian Callen, Cathedral Band Director, said, “Virtually every middle and high school in the state participates. I think part of the value of this competition is that it requires the students to prepare music on their own, which is a vital skill for any musician.” 

Earning a total of 25 gold medals and 10 silver medals, as well as 6 students advancing to state, Cathedral students answered their call to greatness. Daniel Micheal ‘26, Mary Eifert ‘26, Tyler Neucks ‘26, Susannah Ferris ‘26, Wyatt Field ‘26, Elijah Wasmuth ‘26, all earned a gold medal in Division 1, the highest award they can receive. Daniel Micheal was the only orchestra and string student to earn a gold medal, with the other 5 students being band students.

Callen said, “I’m always so proud of my students. However, I feel that this year was especially successful and I’m very happy with our performance as a band.”

Preparation for the competition takes place throughout the year, with students selecting their music in late November.

Band member, Mary Eifert ‘26 said, “We’ve been working really hard for the past month on this music, and I am so proud of everyone! ISSMA really pushes people to work on their personal growth in music, and I definitely saw a lot of that pay off this year, from freshmen playing solos their first year to upperclassmen challenging themselves with some very high-level music.” 

Orchestra member, Daniel Micheal ‘26, one of the students who performed and won a gold medal, performed a solo violin piece called Sonata No 1 in G minor by Bach. Being in the orchestra since his freshman year as well as taking private lessons, performing at events like NHS induction and Coffee House Jam, Michael took every opportunity to improve his musical technique and musicianship.

Performing for four years in a row, he has grown accustomed to the pressure, helping him perform with more confidence on stage. Though he performed a solo piece, being part of the orchestra at Cathedral has been much more fulfilling compared to simply practicing alone. Michael said, “My favorite part of being in the orchestra is being able to share beautiful music with the other members.”

Eifert was the only musician who earned a perfect score. She performed a solo piece, playing an excerpt from the first movement of Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, and also performed in an ensemble with other band students. Taking advantage of all the other musical opportunities around her, she has participated in the Indianapolis Youth Orchestra, the Indiana All-State Band, and takes weekly private clarinet lessons.

Eifert has performed at Carnegie Hall with the Indianapolis Youth Orchestra in New York City, an experience she’ll remember forever as she continues her musical journey, majoring in Clarinet performance as she goes off to college. Eifert said, “These have been amazing experiences that have helped me grow as a musician as well as connect with other young musicians.”

With the help of band director Ian Callen, who has guided these students to become the best musicians they can be, Eifert, as well as the other Cathedral musicians, hope to continue their success as they go on to perform at state. Michael said, “I was so happy to receive a gold medal, because all my hard work in preparation paid off. I’m so excited to move on to the state round and try for another medal.”

As those six students prepare for the state competition, Cathedral bids them good luck. Cathedral band and orchestra are just some of the activities Cathedral offers that both strengthen a student’s artistic capabilities as well as their growth as a person, all while creating a close-knit community so that everyone is seen as valued and seen, celebrating success as they do so.

Callen said, “Our good performance proves that Band really does teach both skill and dedication. It also shows that the students love the work that we do and were happy to strive for success at the highest level.”