Marching Highlanders

Anderson High School has recently been recognized for 70 years of participation at the Indiana State Fair Band Day. Anderson, Indiana has a very rich tradition in the marching arts. The current Anderson High School Marching Highlanders have been in existence since the consolidation of Anderson High School and Highland High School in 2010. Previously, Madision Heights and Anderson High School consolidated in 2008. Before the school corporation consolidations, the Madison Heights Band of Pirates, the Highland High School Marching Highlanders, and the Anderson High School Marching Indians were each rivals and championship contenders at State Fair Band Day. As a combined 17-time State Fair Champion, 11-time Runner-Up, and 16-time ISSMA State Finalist, the Anderson High School Marching Band Program continues to celebrate our history and build our future. The following are the results since the 2010 consolidation.

2010- “The Six Pillars of Character,” Director: Douglas Fletcher, State Fair Result: 1st Place

2011- “Royal Celebrations,” Director: Brad Milleman, State Fair Result: 4th Place

2012- “Expedition Africa,” Director: Brad Milleman, State Fair Result: 8th Place

2013- “Dragon of Legends,” Director: Brad Milleman, State Fair Result: 4th Place

2014- “Danny Boy,” Directors: Brad Milleman & Richard Geisler, State Fair Result: 4th Place

2015- “Arthur: The Valiant King,” Director: Richard Geisler, State Fair Result: 6th Place

2016- “Pipe Dreams,” Director: Richard Geisler, State Fair Result: 4th Place

2017- “Celtic Runes: Mind, Body, Spirit,” Director: Richard Geisler, State Fair Result: 5th Place

2018- “Ghosts of Edinburgh Castle,” Director: Richard Geisler, Assistant: Cordell Zehr, State Fair Result: 2nd Place

2019- “Sir Elton,” Director: Richard Geisler, Assistant: Cordell Zehr, State Fair Result: 1st Place

2020 & 2021 (DNA due to COVID-19)

2022- “Twisted Kilts: The Music of Danny Elfman,” Director: Richard Geisler, Assistant: Cordell Zehr, State Fair Result: 4th Place

2023- “Off-Kilter,” Director: Richard Geisler, Assistant: Cordell Zehr, State Fair Result 5th Place

2024- “Sea of Scots,” Director: Richard Geisler, Assistant: Cordell Zehr, State Fair Result 2nd Place

2025- “Scots & Soda,” Director: Richard Geisler, Assistant: Cordell Zehr, State Fair Result 1st Place

2026- “Cirque du Écossais,” Director: Richard Geisler, Assistant: Cordell Zehr, State Fair Result 1st Place