Merry Christmas and happy holidays!
Proudly serving the Jay County community since 1975! 1995 and 2001 Indiana State Fair champions! Here you will find contest information, scores, and much more...
Giving Tuesday
Nothing brings greater joy to the holiday season like our favorite holiday music. This is the time of year when we tune our radios to the stations that we love and sing along, taken in by the nostalgia of our most joyful childhood memories. What a powerful tool music is– influencing every era of our lives, supporting us through life’s greatest celebrations, and carrying us through our deepest pain.
We recognize that music is a powerful medium for feeling connected to family and friends. It is that recognition that drives us to work harder and make music a priority.
This #GivingTuesday, support the Jay County Band Boosters. Your gift allows our hard-working musicians whose creativity, innovation, talent, and passion for what they do bring joy to so many.
The COVID-19 pandemic has left us unable to raise funds through our conventional means. Your gift to the Jay County Band Boosters will help ensure that our students can continue to learn and grow and influence the world with their music.
#GivingTuesday is the perfect opportunity to show your appreciation for music, to provide a highly impacting music education for these bright students, and to selflessly give back to something powerful that has supported you your whole life long. Give now and join us in making music the priority that it deserves to be in all of our lives. Thank you for your support!
Click below to make a secure donation via Paypal.
Happy Halloween from the band staff!
We wish everyone a good time tonight with the festivities this weekend. Have fun trick-r-treating, but please do it in groups, watch out for anything suspicious, and beware the moors. If you need anything, feel free to call us.
Speaking of suspicious things, Mr. Hart was looking kinda pale. Probably a bug bite.
Mr. Garringer also is off on a rampage. He said you wouldn't like him when he's angry. Roarrrrrrr. Melon Smash! Play notes right or Melon get angry.
Our staff is all for good fun, and maybe a bit too crazy. 😉Remember to stay in well-lit areas, watch for germs, and avoid any ghouls that go bump in the night.
Speaking of suspicious things, Mr. Hart was looking kinda pale. Probably a bug bite.
Mr. Garringer also is off on a rampage. He said you wouldn't like him when he's angry. Roarrrrrrr. Melon Smash! Play notes right or Melon get angry.
Our staff is all for good fun, and maybe a bit too crazy. 😉Remember to stay in well-lit areas, watch for germs, and avoid any ghouls that go bump in the night.
Fall Concert
We had a great fall concert. Take a listen and see more photos in the Media section.
Aaron Funkhouser plays Sunday along with the rest of the trombones and baritones during a Jay County High School Marching Patriots concert for family members. The band held the concert after its summer competition season and parades were canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. pic.twitter.com/yFBK34zVlq
— Commercial Review (@commreview) October 20, 2020
Congrats Jason!
Congratulations to Patriot Band alum Jason Hart today for graduating with a Masters in Music Education from Anderson University. He has done so much for our band program. Thank you for continuing to make such an impact on music and kids!
Homecoming Spin
Homecoming spin:Allie Jellison spins her flag Friday as the Jay County High School Marching Patriots perform prior to the homecoming game against the South Adams Starfires. pic.twitter.com/OrTPFiWykD
— Commercial Review (@commreview) October 9, 2020
New Horns!!!
Debut of new horns!!! Thank you Portland foundation and community. https://t.co/J2SNuEoDYd
— jamie smeltzer (@smeltzer_jamie) September 26, 2020
1995 in Retrospect: 3rd Place!
Retrospect: https://t.co/w18fobloaT Twenty-five years ago this week, the Jay County High School Marching Patriots walked away with a third-place finish at the Indiana State Fair Band Day Contest with the finals rained out. pic.twitter.com/4hlDk3E6WF
— Commercial Review (@commreview) August 15, 2020
Outstanding Award Winners
Jay County High School’s Patriot Band honored outstanding students this spring. Lily Hedges, right, received the Outstanding Underclassman Award. MaKenzi Bye, lower right, received the Outstanding Guard Award. Joseph Littler, below, received the Outstanding Senior Award. pic.twitter.com/eXG5IVcbnz
— Commercial Review (@commreview) June 6, 2020
SENIOR CENTERPIECE: Alex Batt
Alex is a senior who has been involved in summer band, pep band, concert band and winter percussion.
His favorite memory of JC Band is “When [he] won the chubby bunny contests. To hear everyone cheer [him] on including [his] sister, then winning for the drumline was an amazing feeling.”
His favorite show was either En Fuego (winter drum line) or Sideshow.
His advice to other members of the JC Band is “The low points are a blessing, they keep you humble and make you feel thankful for what you have.”
SENIOR CENTERPIECE: Hunter Ballard
Hunter is a senior who has been involved in summer band, pep band, concert band and winter drum line.
His favorite memory of JC Band is winning the 2019 percussion caption.
His favorite show was 4OUR.
His advice to other members of the JC Band is "Make these the best years of your life."
SENIOR CENTERPIECE: Hannah Clayton
Hannah is a senior who has been involved in summer band, pep band concert band and solo and ensemble.
Her favorite memories of JC Band are “every year at state fair and seeing the difference between the first time [they] do our summer show and the very last time [they] perform.”
Her favorite show was Sideshow.
Her advice to other members of the JC Band is “Make as many memories as you can, one day that’s all you will have”
SENIOR CENTERPIECE: Mark Habegger
Mark is a senior who has been involved in summer band, pep band, concert band and winter percussion.
His favorite memory of JC band is his first time at State Fair
His favorite show was Through the Clouds.
His advice to other members of the JC Band is “Enjoy it while it lasts because unfortunately it won't last forever”
SENIOR CENTERPIECE: Ethan Andreshak
Ethan is a senior who has been involved in summer band, concert band, pep band jazz band and winter percussion.
His favorite memory is “Freshman Band Camp (very long story)”
His favorite show was Sideshow.
His advice to other members of the JC Band is “Do not forget to practice and cherish the countless memories you’ll make”
SENIOR CENTERPIECE: Justyn VanSkyock
Justyn is a senior who has been involved with summer band and winter guard.
His favorite memory in the JC Guard was "getting to be 1 of the members to receive the 3rd place award at Indiana State Fair band day 2019"
Justyn has enjoyed all four years he has done, but the freshman year performances hold a special place in his heart. 4OUR and Da Da (Winter Guard)
His advice for other members of the JC Band and Guard is "It may not be easy, but in the end it’s worth it!!!!"
Justyn is planning on attending The New York Film Academy in the fall majoring in Graphic Design and Musical Theatre.
SENIOR CENTERPIECE: Leanna Miller
Leanna is a senior who has been involved in summer band and winter guard
Leanna remembers her favorite time in band saying: "Last year in June, Justyn Vanskyock, Dallas Negele, Dottie Schuler and I signed up to do a WGI Solo and Ensemble performance. We chose the song, wrote the work and choreographed all of it by ourselves. We spent around a month doing it all. We would practice at the Hudson park amphitheater. Dallas and Dottie helped me work on weapons and Justyn and I improved each other's flag skills. We spent at least two days a week there I know it’s not one memory but that was one of the favorite opportunities I had because of being in this guard. I have a small award for us placing second in our group, and I'll never get rid of it. I'll never forget any of the moments or memories I made with this band and guard. (The picture I've included is from just after we finished performing"
Her favorite show was Through the Clouds.
Her advice to other members of the JC Band and Guard is "Chase it. Whatever you love, fight for it. The worst thing anyone can say to you is no, but they could say yes and the prospect of that is what you should chase. No matter what it is, you can achieve it and that's what my 3 years as a Marching Patriot has taught me, that no matter how hard it is, no matter how much I doubt I'll get what I want most, you can either fight for it or give up. Don't stop chasing what you want most because you never know what's on the other side of the door you're too scared to knock on."
SENIOR CENTERPIECE: Kristy Robbins
Kristy is a senior who has been involved in summer band and winter guard.
Her favorite memory was “getting a standing ovation from the other winter guards when walking into the stands after performing Anything but Pedestrian!”
Her favorite winter guard show was “Anything but Pedestrian.”
Her advice to other members of the JC Band and Guard is “Enjoy every moment because it goes by fast!”
SENIOR CENTERPIECE: Jaycee Bailey
Jaycee is a senior who has been involved in summer band, concert band and pep band.
Her favorite memory is “just being able to walk into the band room and instantly feeling at home. [she] met [her] best friends in band and [she] just always has a place to go that just makes you feel safe.”
Her favorite show was Sideshow.
Her advice to other members of the JC Band is “Take it all in, don't take anything for granted, it goes by so fast and you will be wishing you could do it one last time.”
SENIOR CENTERPIECE: Nicolas (Bevo) Flowers
Nic is a senior who has been involved in summer band, concert band and pep band.
His favorite memory is “the experience of going to state and being a part of a great band”
His favorite show was Through the Clouds.
His advice to other members of the JC Patriot Band is “enjoy it while you can, it's the best experience ever”
SENIOR CENTERPIECE: Dallas Negele
Dallas is a senior who has been involved in summer band and winter guard.
Her favorite memory is “getting to do the duet from “Through the Clouds.” Finding out that I had a duet with my best friend was amazing. We both called our friends and family because we knew they would be excited just like us. Performing the duet was an amazing experience that I will never forget. All the support and love we got was so nice and I’m so thankful for the opportunity.
Her favorite show was Sideshow “because it was so much fun to perform and it was super entertaining.”
Her advice to other members of the Patriot Band and Guard is “Enjoy and cherish every single moment! Even if you don’t like it at first, I promise that will change overtime. You will make so many friends and memories that will last a lifetime. Give every performance your best and never give up!”
SENIOR CENTERPIECE: Austin Nally
Austin is a senior who has been involved in concert band, pep band and summer band.
His favorite thing about band is the time he can spend time with his friends in band.
His favorite show was Sideshow.
His advice to other members of the Patriot Band is “do summer band every year as it is one of the best experiences you will get during high school.”
SENIOR CENTERPIECE: Kathryn Shaneyfelt
Kathryn is a senior who has been involved in summer band and winter guard.
Her favorite memory is “Receiving the third place trophy at State Fair Night Show this past summer as a senior representative from the guard.”
Her favorite show was Sideshow.
Her advice to other members of the Patriot Band and Guard is “Don’t be afraid to make friends here. Because I was in band in middle school and color guard in high school, I have formed a lifelong bond with people who are now more like family than friends. Don’t let sections, experience, grade level, or beliefs determine who you can become friends with.”
SENIOR CENTERPIECE: Calvin Whitney
Calvin is a senior who has been involved in concert band, pep band, summer band, jazz band and solo and ensemble.
His favorite memory was “when [he], Cole Younger, and Alex Davis found an ice cream cone that had been dropped at out freshmen band camp and mourned its death.”
His favorite show was “probably Sideshow if [he] had to choose one.”
His advice to other members of the Patriot Band is “Don't be satisfied with "good enough" or "okay". most competitions are between you and you, not the judges or any of the other teams. so if you ask yourself at the end of a performance "how did I do?" and you answer with "Good enough" that wasn't good. Make you know what you did was great.”
Calvin has been accepted into Ball State’s Music School and plans to begin studying French Horn Performance in the fall. Congratulations from the JC Band Program!
SENIOR CENTERPIECE: Eboni Bentz
Eboni is a senior who has been involved in summer band, concert band and pep band.
Her favorite memory about JC band was “Watching the underclassmen perform the show for the seniors at band camp.”
Her favorite show was Sideshow.
Her advice to other members of the Patriot Band is “Always give 100% and have loads of fun because those memories will last a lifetime.”
SENIOR CENTERPIECE: Megan Templeton
Megan is a senior who has been involved in concert band and pep band.
Her favorite memory about JC band was “the Kentucky Derby Parade.”
Her favorite music selection was West Side Story Medley.
Her advice to other members of the Patriot Band is “Never give up and always give your best!”
SENIOR CENTERPIECE: Makayla Templeton
Makayla is a senior who has been involved in concert band, pep band and jazz band.
Her favorite memory about JC band was “performing a solo for jazz band.”
Her favorite music selection was Pirates of the Caribbean.
Her advice to other members of the Patriot Band is “Become close with your section. Don't hate a piece of music because it's challenging at first. Most of the time those will end up being your favorite. Don't be afraid to step up and try something new.”
SENIOR CENTERPIECE: Alex Davis
Alex is a senior who has been involved in summer band, concert band, pep band and jazz band.
His favorite memory about JC band is “freshman year, standing on the track at state fair for [his] first night show awards.”
His favorite show was Sideshow. “The music was fun to play, and the props looked amazing”
His advice to other members of the Patriot Band is “Don't forget to stop and take a moment to look around and appreciate what you have, High school goes by faster than you think.”
SENIOR CENTERPIECE: Alexis Slocum
Alexis is a senior who has been involved in summer band, concert band and pep band.
Her favorite memories about JC band were from summer band.
Her favorite show was Sideshow.
Her advice to other members of the Patriot Band is “Enjoy all the activities band has to offer.”
SENIOR CENTERPIECE: Clarissa Reidt
Clarissa (left) is a senior who has been involved in summer band, concert band and pep band.
Her favorite memory about JC band is “EVERY. BAND. CAMP. EVER.”
Her favorite show was Sideshow.
Her advice to other members of the Patriot Band is “When you decide to participate in any of the different band programs it is no longer all about you, you have to show up and work hard together to get good results.”
SENIOR CENTERPIECE: Gavin Billington
Gavin is a senior who has been involved in summer band, concert band, pep band, winter percussion, jazz band and solo and ensemble.
His favorite memory about JC band is “Senior year at the state fair night show. Walking off that track is one of the greatest memories [he] has.”
His favorite music selection was “[The] drum feature in 4OUR. This was the hardest music for [him] to learn when [he] was starting marching band. This was also the most satisfying when [he] got it, so it means the most to [him].”
His advice to other members of the Patriot Band is “Everyone has heard that this goes by fast, well I experienced a different kind of fast. I had my senior Winter Drumline cut short. I am not going to tell you this goes by fast, I am going to tell you to just cherish every moment, every step, every note, every cringy Smeltzer speech, every whistle blow, and every speck of dust on your marching shoes. This is different than anything else you will ever experience. You don't know how this will end for you, for me it ended short. I did not let that short season affect me. I don't want any of you to let it affect you either. All you can do is remember.”
SENIOR CENTERPIECE: Ryleigh Hampson
Ryleigh is a senior who has been involved in summer band, concert band, pep band and winter percussion.
Her favorite thing about being a part of JC band is “All of the people [she] has met through band. [They] are the best people in [her] life.”
Her favorite show is Sideshow.
Her advice to other members of the Patriot Band is “band is truly one of the greatest experiences you can have, don’t take it for granted.”
SENIOR CENTERPIECE: Taylor May
Taylor is a senior who has been involved in summer band, concert band and pep band.
One of her favorite memories about her time with the JC band was “getting first place at the Jay County Contest”
Her favorite show was Starry Night.
Her advice to other members of the Patriot Band is “Always be yourself, never give up, cherish every moment.”
SENIOR CENTERPIECE: Abigail Fisher
Abigail is a senior who has been involved in summer band, pep band, and concert band.
Her favorite memories about JC band are from “Summer Band especially band camp.”
Her favorite show was Through the Clouds.
Her advice to other members of the Patriot Band is “Cherish your time in High School because it goes by really quickly.”
SENIOR CENTERPIECE: Joseph Littler
Joseph Littler is a senior who has been involved in summer band, pep band, concert band, jazz band, winter percussion and solo and ensemble.
One of his favorite memories about his time with JC band was “[his] first year marching at State Fair with Jay County. The energy of that performance during the night show is something [he] will not ever forget.”
His favorite show was either Sideshow or Through the Clouds.
His advice to other members of the Patriot Band is “Stay strong through all of this. All of these hard times, our band is much more than a group, we are a family. I will miss everyone I've spent these many years with. My advice for the band is to never ever take advantage of these moments you've been given through the band program. You never know when they will be taken from you. Enjoy every second of your time with this program, because nothing compares to it.”
SENIOR CENTERPIECE: Sydnie Zorn
Sydnie is a senior who has been involved in summer band, pep band, concert band and jazz band.
One of her favorite memories about her time with JC band was “when the trombone section took the last five minutes of class one day and made the “superbone” with 4-5 different trombones.”
Her favorite show was Sideshow.
Her advice to other members of the Patriot Band is “Push yourself because once you think that you have hit your limit, there is always room for you to grow more.”
SENIOR CENTERPIECE: Madison Murphy
Madison is a senior who has been involved in summer band, concert band and pep band.
One of her favorite things about her time with the JC band was “making a bunch of great memories and gaining another family along the way!”
Her favorite show was 4OUR.
Her advice to other members of the Patriot Band is “Keep the passion alive, you’ll miss it one day.”
Summer 2020
It is with great sadness that we announce the cancellation of the 2020 summer CITSA marching season. Due to COVID 19, we felt the risks still far outweighed the rewards at this point. State Fair Band is a separate entity and at this point has not canceled their event. If for some reason, State Fair Band Day still happens and the band is given permission by our school corporation to participate, we would like to still participate in the non-competitive class that they will be offering.
This event truly has turned our world upside down and there are many heavy hearts today because of this announcement. My heart goes out to the seniors. Both 2020 seniors as well as 2021 seniors. No one ever envisioned outcomes like this. Please know that we love you and someday hope to once again are able to wrap our arms around you.
If restrictions start to be lifted in the near future and we are granted permission, my plan is for our band program to provide a “Re-Unification” concert this summer to celebrate our Jay County community. If there is time to prepare for the July 4th parade, we will participate in that as well. Lastly, we would participate in some non-competitive fashion at the Indiana State Fair Band Day, if it is still hosted in August. This is all contingent on permission to return, enough time to prepare, and enough students to make it happen.
In the meantime, keep your chins up. Parents, do me a favor and hug your kids for me. They are amazing young individuals who are our future. Love them all.
Mr. Smeltzer
This event truly has turned our world upside down and there are many heavy hearts today because of this announcement. My heart goes out to the seniors. Both 2020 seniors as well as 2021 seniors. No one ever envisioned outcomes like this. Please know that we love you and someday hope to once again are able to wrap our arms around you.
If restrictions start to be lifted in the near future and we are granted permission, my plan is for our band program to provide a “Re-Unification” concert this summer to celebrate our Jay County community. If there is time to prepare for the July 4th parade, we will participate in that as well. Lastly, we would participate in some non-competitive fashion at the Indiana State Fair Band Day, if it is still hosted in August. This is all contingent on permission to return, enough time to prepare, and enough students to make it happen.
In the meantime, keep your chins up. Parents, do me a favor and hug your kids for me. They are amazing young individuals who are our future. Love them all.
Mr. Smeltzer
Blast from the Past
Holy moly, look at those babies! Close to 20 years ago. Can you find Adam? 😉 pic.twitter.com/McqfP5N67V
— Mrs. Rockwell_BHES (@AnneRRockwell) February 20, 2020
Winter Pops
Several of our members performed Sunday as part of Jay County High School's Winter Pops Concert. pic.twitter.com/BQ4KA2tNHQ
— Ray Cooney (@Cooneyrj4) February 18, 2020