Garrett High School marching band heading to state for the first time in school history

GARRETT, Ind. (WPTA) - The Garrett High School marching band is competing in the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) for the first time in school history this weekend.

They’re also known as the Railroader Regiment, and last year they went to semi-state for the first time. Now, they’re heading to Indianapolis as a class C finalist, creating a new milestone.

The Regiment’s drum major, Teagan Koble has been in marching band for six years, and she has been going to marching band competitions since the fourth grade, when she used to watch her sister compete. Now, she gets to lead the Railroaders to their first state performance.

“The moment when we finish the show will be so amazing because it’s going to be a great run, we’re all going to be so excited and it’ll just be a fantastic way to end it,” says Koble.

Garrett High School band director, Josh Hettinger, competed at state when he went to Woodlan High School, and now he’s passing on his experience to his students.

“They get one week to end the season on their own terms and to be artists with their show and be in the same conversation as artists, they get to do this as students is the special thing we’ve been talking about, not necessarily the competition, but they get to perform for an audience that loves them and they get to be artists and be a piece of art,” says Hettinger.

He’s also extremely grateful to the Garrett community for supporting them as much as they have.

“That they want to support these kids is something that I hope that the students see and the parents see that the community loves them and cares about them,” says Hettinger.

There will be a state sendoff tomorrow, October 25th, at 7 p.m. at Garrett High School with a community performance, so they can show their support once again. As for the competition, it will be at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis and the gates open at 9 a.m.

Copyright 2023 WPTA. All rights reserved.