Penn High School’s Full Orchestra, Symphonic Band and Symphonic Winds each earned Gold Ratings with Distinction in the ISSMA (Indiana State School Music Association) Qualifier event on April 29-30.

The Penn Orchestra and Symphonic Winds qualified for the State Finals. Eight Orchestras and 16 bands from around the state qualify for this event annually. The Orchestra performs at Pike High School in Indianapolis at 12:25 p.m. in State Finals competition on Saturday, May 7. The band performs at Lawrence Central High School in Indianapolis at 6:10 p.m. on May 7.

“We are very pleased to have the Symphonic Band, Full Orchestra and Symphonic Winds each earn a Gold Rating with Distinction at the ISSMA Qualifying event last weekend,” Penn Fine Arts Academy leader Glenn Northern said. “The Orchestra, under the direction of Lavon Oke and Liz Cravens, had a wonderful performance, and earned its highest scores ever at this event.”

Penn’s Symphonic Band, under the direction of Northern and Chris Paulson, gave an outstanding performance of some very difficult band literature, according to Northern. The Symphonic Winds, also under the direction of Northern and Paulson, likewise turned in a memorable performance.

“All of our students and staff should be very proud of their hard work and their achievement,” Northern said of the Gold Ratings with Distinction performances.