Contest History

ISSMA CONTEST HISTORY

Ensembles participating in ISSMA festivals are evaluated based on judges’ assessments of their performances of three prepared selections. Ratings awarded include Gold, Silver, Bronze, or Participation. Participants select their entry levels across various “Group” categories (except for Marching Band, which lacks such distinctions). The difficulty of the music determines these levels, ranging from “V” (easiest) to “I” (most difficult). At the High School level, sight-reading is also factored into the assessment. Ensembles achieving an exceptionally high Gold rating may receive the prestigious “Gold With Distinction,” ISSMA’s top accolade for ensembles, second only to those advancing to state finals.

The Perry Meridian High School Band program is an ISSMA All-Music Award winner for 2002-2003, 2014-2015, 2015-2016, 2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2021-2022, 2022-2023, & 2023-2024

*denotes a Gold in sightreading

^denotes a with Distinction award

Concert Bands


State Finalists: 1989, 1987, 1986 (7th place)


Wind Ensemble

Group I

Gold: 2024, 2023^*, 2022, 2019, 2017, 2016^*, 2015*, 2014, 2013*, 2012*, 2011*, 2010*, 2009*, 2008*, 2007*, 2006*, 2005*, 2003*

Silver: 2018*


Symphonic Band

Group I

Gold: 2002*, 1997*, 1996*, 1995*, 1992*, 1989*, 1987*, 1986

Silver: 1994*

Group II

Gold: 2024*, 2022^, 2018*, 2015*, 2013*, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009*, 2008*, 2003

Silver: 2017, 2014, 2007*, 1983

Group III

Gold: 2023*

Silver: 2019*, 2016*


Concert Winds

Group III

Gold: 2024*, 2022, 2019*, 2003, 2002*, 1997, 1996, 1993

Silver: 1995, 1994, 1987, 1986, 1983

Group IV

Gold: 2023, 2010, 2009

Silver: 2008


Jazz Bands

PMHS Jazz Band (Meridian Street Blues)

Group I

Gold: 2024^, 2023^, 2022^, 2021, 2020^, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2003, 2002, 1997, 1994

Silver: 2014, 2008, 2007, 2006


Jazz Lab (2022-23 School year: Blue (B) and Silver (S), 2023-24 and beyond: 2 O’Clock (2) and 3 O’Clock (3) Jazz Labs)

Group III

Silver: 2023 (S), 2022

Group IV

Gold: 2024 (2), 2024 (3), 2023 (B)


Marching Falcons

ISSMA District/Open Class Invitational/Scholastic Prelims

Gold: 2024^, 2023, 2022^, 2021, 2019^, 2018^, 2017^, 2015, 2014, 2003, 2002, 2001, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1990, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1978, 1977, 1976, 1975, 1973

Silver: 2016, 2013, 2006, 2000, 1989, 1980

ISSMA Regionals

Gold: 2023, 2022, 2002, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983, 1982

Silver: 2003, 2001, 1999, 1990, 1981

ISSMA Scholastic Finals

2021 – 5th place

2019 – 5th place

Participant – 2018, 2017, 2015, 2014