The Frankfort Marching Band preformed at the Indiana State Fair Band Day Friday. The Frankfort Marching Band scored 13th/34 bands at prelims and 16/16 at finals with a score of 71.75. According to Band Director, Jason Hutton, “scoring wise historically is only behind the Hot Dog Band from 1987 (73.85), 1988 (73.6) and possibly 1991 a score is not recorded for that year.” One judge commented that, “if there was an award for best soloist at band day competition, it would go to Luis Madera for his saxophone solo.”
What many may not know is that Mr. Hutton extended a special invitation to neighboring county schools without marching bands—offering their students the opportunity to join the Frankfort Marching Band for an unforgettable journey. Eight students from Clinton Central and one from Clinton Prairie answered that call. In those moments, school boundaries disappeared. What remained was one united band family—stronger, louder, and more inspired—coming together to become one extraordinary ensemble that marched all the way to the Sweet 16.
Mr. Hutton reflected on the journey with powerful words:
“This accomplishment will always be remembered as one of the best days in our lives. But a score or placement has never been what’s most important. The joy, love, hard work, growth, pain, celebration, and beauty in creating a work of art through marching band literally gave me chills every day. It’s the pride the kids had in themselves—and the pride the community had in them. And let’s not forget the AMAZING ROAR OF THE CROWD at finals when the announcer said we were back for the first time in 33 years!”
He went on to share a heartfelt message directly to the students:
“To the kids—I just want to say one last THANK YOU. You had a choice in how to spend your summer. You could’ve played video games, slept in, or worked—all things you can do for the rest of your life. Instead, you chose to fully embrace high school and take part in a rewarding experience you can only do now. You made memories that will last forever. It was hard… but it was WORTH IT. WE DID THAT! Thank you!”
