After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, Anderson Auditorium at Arsenal Technical High School was recently filled with trombones, trumpets, and songs when students from nine Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) came together for the fifth annual Indianapolis School Music Festival.
The Indianapolis School Music Festival on March 24 served local instrumental and vocal music students through a partnership with Music for All.
“It was really special to have these students from different schools under one roof—cheering each other on,” said Josh Goodman, Arsenal Tech’s music teacher and liaison between IPS and Music for All.
“The energy was simply incredible all day long,” Goodman said. “Music for All is a great partner as they brought in nearly their entire staff to help put on an incredible experience for our students.”
Twenty ensembles from across the district performed on the stage during the non-competitive event.
“This is my seventh year teaching and my first year at Tech and IPS,” said Goodman, who will receive his master’s degree in school leadership and management. He earned his bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Louisville.
“I think the highlight of my day was when our jazz band was on the stage for the last time this school year,” he said. “It was a simple joy for the students to play in front of a large crowd of their fellow students. It was great to see the support and interactions between students from different schools.”