Congratulations All Around!
- foodcoordinator1
- 1 hour ago
- 4 min read
We’re excited to share our brand-new newsletter format with you! As our groups have moved to an app for communication, it opened the door for the newsletter to focus on something new: highlighting all the great things happening in our band programs. Keep reading for a recap of an amazing first semester!
IMEA NAMES MR. THORNBURY THE 2026 MUSIC EDUCATOR OF EXCELLENCE!
We would like to offer our heartfelt congratulations to our very own Eric Thornbury! Eric has been named the Indiana Music Education Association’s High School Music Educator of Excellence for 2026. This prestigious honor is awarded to only one music educator in the entire state of Indiana each year. He was recognized at the Indiana Music Educators Conference in Fort Wayne, and we would like to take a moment to share just a few of the many reasons his colleagues chose to honor him.
You would be hard-pressed to find a more passionate, invested, creative, and tireless advocate for students than Eric Thornbury. Since joining Noblesville as Director of Bands in 2011, the band program has grown exponentially, due in no small part to his dedication, leadership, and creativity. Whether he is working with a concert band to build musical skill, taking students to contests and events, collaborating with fellow professionals to grow his own skills, or inspiring the next generation of music educators, his commitment to music and students shines through.
During his tenure, the music programs at Noblesville have experienced remarkable growth. When Eric arrived, there were two concert bands with approximately 100 students. Today, Noblesville Bands includes five concert bands with more than 280 students. Under his thoughtful guidance, the concert band program has earned two ISSMA State Finals appearances for the first time in program history.
The marching band has made multiple appearances in State Fair Band Day Finals and earned two State Fair Band Day titles, including a record-high score in 2018. In 2019, the marching band transitioned into one of the most competitive marching band classes in the country and has continued to thrive with multiple State Finals and BOA Super Regional Finals appearances. The band also performed on the international stage, marching in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland, in 2024.
His practiced and thoughtful leadership also supports the growth of outstanding Jazz Band, Color Guard, and Indoor Percussion programs. He consistently speaks with pride about these ensembles and celebrates the talented directors who lead them.
With this incredible catalog of accomplishments in mind, we are proud to honor Mr. Thornbury and extend our warmest congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. Check out the end of this newsletter for a wonderful gallery of pictures that captures the heart of Mr. Thornbury!
EVERYTHING STARTS FROM A DOT!
The Marching Millers had another record breaking season this year! Thier innovative program received multiple awards throughout the season. It was an incrediblely creative and demanding show, and marchers worked over the course of six months to accomplish amazing things! A few memorable moments include:
Closing the show for pop group AJR at Ruoff Music Center
BOA Super Regionals Finals appearance and 13th place finish out of 90 bands competing
ISSMA Marching Band State Finals Open Class A 6th place finish
2nd appearance at Grand Nationals in program history
Know someone intersted in marching band? Come to the reveal meeting on February 2nd to learn more! Check out this link for details and other upcoming events!
BANDO BINGO
We are excited to offer our second annual Band Bingo event on February 20th at The Moose Lodge in Noblesville! This event was a ball last year, and we are looking forward to even more fun this year!!
Band Bingo supports our financial assistance fund, which helps cover participation fees for families in need. Marching Band, Winter Guard, and Indoor Percussion are rewarding but lengthy seasons, and the associated costs can add up quickly. We believe every student should have access to the incredible opportunities for growth our programs provide, and this event helps make that possible.
Thanks to Band Bingo last year, we were able to provide $14,000 in financial assistance to support our students and families. With your help, we hope to assist even more families this year! Best of all, Band Bingo is not only impactful: it’s a blast to attend! We hope you’ll join us for a fun evening in support of our programs and students!
We would love to see you there! Need tickets? Follow this link!
Can't attend or want to help support the fun? You can donate toward the raffle baskets we offer at the event! Sign up here!
STAY TUNED!
We are looking forward to another amazing run of events this semester! Follow us on social media to stay up to date on all of the excitement happening with Winter Guard, Indoor Percussion, ISSMA Solo & Ensemble, Pep Band, Black & Gold Band, ISSMA Concert Band, Jazz Band competitions, and more! Big things are happenings in Noblesville Bands!
CONGRATULATIONS MR. THORNBURY!
It’s hard to fully capture the passion and heart that define Eric Thornbury, but these photos offer a small glimpse into the person he is. Congratulations, Mr. Thornbury!
BlackGold!
Jen Melton
Vice President, Noblesville Band Boosters