The Indiana State School Music Association Junior/Middle/Elementary All-Music Award is given to schools that achieve at a high level across multiple disciplines in instrumental music. Lincoln Junior High School has achieved this award all years it has been given.
In order to qualify for the ISSMA J.M.E. All-Music Award, middle school programs must meet three criteria at ISSMA events. At least one solo performance and one small group performance must earn a gold rating in middle or higher difficulty levels at a Solo & Ensemble event. A gold rating must be earned in a jazz organization event. Finally, a concert band must also earn a gold rating in group three or higher at a concert festival.
At Solo & Ensemble, Oscar De La Torre, Marilla Shafer, Alex Cameron and Cray Barden earned gold ratings on their group three level solos. Jaylee Ramirez, Nena Roberts, Brookelynne Poirier, and Brooke Barnett earned a gold rating for their group three level clarinet quartet.
At Jazz Festival, the Lincoln Jazz Band earned their gold rating despite the challenges from weather. They earned a gold rating from all three judges. Ben Hutchings, Beck Ruggles, and Alex Cameron earned “With Distinction” ribbons for their outstanding improvised solos. Olive Laurence, Bruce Dowell, Brookelynne Poirier, and Rachel Ray also performed solos at this event. They played Alligator Boogaloo by Lou Donaldson and arranged by Terry White as well as It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing) by Duke Ellington and arranged by Michael Sweeney.
The LJH Concert Bands traveled to Elkhart Central High School to perform at the J.M.E. Festival in March. The Intermediate Band performed in group three and earned a gold rating to lock in Lincoln's All-Music Award. They performed Moai by Michael Sweeney, A Song for Friends by Larry Daehn, and Jamboree by Jay Chattaway.
“We are continuing to grow and learn with each bit of music we make,” said band director, Lisa Wallyn. “The lessons these students learn from pushing themselves to achieve at a high level with definitely benefit them throughout their lives.”
