Superintendent of Perry Township Schools
It was the philosopher and composer Friedrich Nietzche who said, “Life without music would be a mistake.”
I would suggest that schools without music programs would be a huge mistake. We’re proud of our programs. I would like to take a moment to touch upon our band programs.
The dedication and devotion by band members, their leaders, parents and patrons is simply immeasurable. You can drive by Perry Stadium before a Friday night football game and see band members, parents and others unloading equipment in preparation for the game. These individuals complete this task over and over, literally dozens of times each school year, as well as throughout the summer with joy in their hearts. This is no easy task but their drive to be a part of something special.
As early as 1970 the stadium served as one of seven sites to host the Indiana State School Music Association’s district marching contest. Due to its location near Southport High, the facility hosted an opening round for years, with the finals now held at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Over the years more and more football fields changed from grass to turf. To avoid mud and poor surface conditions, Southport lost the opportunity to host the event. Recently, Ray Skillman Auto Group donated enough money to install a turf field. Thankfully, Southport recaptured the ability to host an ISSMA marching event in early October.
Gone are the days for field maintenance of mowing the grass, lining and relining the yard lines before and during competitions, prepping muddy areas with sand or absorbing material and marching on unlevel and or pitted grass field. Despite close to 16 hours of rain before this year’s competition and a soggy football game the night before, the new all-weather turf was in perfect condition to host the marching band event. That would simply not have been an option before the installation of a turf field. The field would have been one giant mud puddle.
Experiences that have a major impact on your life often occur beyond the four walls of the traditional classroom. Sometimes they occur on a stage, on a court or on a field. Long after high school you won’t likely remember what grade you made on a test or who won a particular game. However, you will likely never forget marching on a football field competing for the No. 1 spot during the competition.
Children come to us with a wide range of talents. One of our responsibilities as an educational institution is to provide those opportunities to children so they discover their talents while realizing their dreams.
A district goal is to secure funding from additional corporate donors that will financially support similar outdoor facility upgrades at Perry Meridian High School. We are committed to accomplishing this goal.