PLYMOUTH — The Indiana State School Music Association recently awarded the top music departments in the State of Indiana with its highest award recognition: the “All-Music Award.”   
This award is presented to only a handful of schools that excel in every facet of the music department.   In order for a high school band to receive this honor, it must receive the top ratings, the Gold Award, in every division of the department. 

The Plymouth Band had to receive a Gold Award in Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band and advance both solos and ensembles to the Solo and Ensemble State Finals.
Only 24 high school bands in the state received the award this year.   To make the honor even more special, the Plymouth High School Band is one of the only schools in the state that has received this award annually since it began in 2003.
The high school band program is under the direction of Bryan Ames.  Ames is in his second year with the Plymouth Community Schools.  
Prior to coming to Plymouth, Ames was the director of bands at Knox High School where he led the band to multiple appearances at the ISSMA marching band state finals and several tours around the country.  
“I was very proud of the kids this past year.  They did an excellent job at all ISSMA events.  The Marching Band earned a gold at Regionals, both Jazz Ensembles earned a gold, both Concert Bands earned a gold, and we had nearly 50 students that qualified for solo and ensemble state finals. The Wind Ensemble earned its gold in the Group 1 division, which is the hardest level of competition. It was a great year and this award from the state music association is something all of the students and staff are very proud of,” said Ames. “Congratulations to all of the students in the Plymouth High School band on this award and for all of their achievements.”