On Wednesday November 12, 2008, five IPS high schools fought for the title of "Grand Champion" in the IPS Marching Band Tournament. Arsenal Technical, TC Howe, Northwest, Arlington and Broad Ripple would experience competition in Lucas Oil Stadium for the first time.

The Spirit of Broad Ripple performed "The Light Eternal" and included string quartet, choir octet, piano, and solo dance under the field direction of Jared Littleton; Senior Drum Major and Eugene Simmons; Junior Drum Major. JROTC served as the loading and set up crew, along with Theater students running sound throughout the show.

Under the direction of Kelly Hershey, Broad Ripple High School captured their third Grand Champion victory with a clean sweep of all award captions and the Spirit Award. This would include: Most Outstanding Musical Performance, Most Outstanding General Effect, and Most Outstanding Visual Performance. Broad Ripple by far had the biggest group of FANS...which in turn led to Broad Ripple winning its first ever "Spirit Award." The winner of the spirit award receives $1000 for their band.

From 17 band members in 2005 to over 75 in 2008, the Broad Ripple band program continues to grow and flourish. "I am proud to be their director, and have high hopes of 'Spirit of Broad Ripple' being the very first IPS marching band to participate in a Bands of America regional. It is time for our students to display their talents. We deserve to stand next to bands that are simply a zip code away from us. It is going to require a lot of time, funding, and support but it can be done. This year I had unprecedented adult involvement, the tide is turning. It is time for change." -- Kelly Hershey

Special thanks to: Dr. Eugene White, Keith White, Linda Poulter, Music for All, Leslie Bartolowits, Denise Johnson, Martha Riley, Lori Kurtz, Dave Hershey, Dave Bartolowits, Charla Thomas, 1SGT Woodcox, 1SGT Calloway, Mr. Friedly, Muncie Music Center, Angel Valez, Ruth Abelard, Zuri Asad, Kayla Pauley, Barak Pauley, Pam Saxhaug, Linda Davis, Donna Lisle, Stan Law, David Tuttle, Mike Hannan, Lou Debruicker, Bob Ashworth, Nancy Showalter, and Ann Dyar......and the countless parents who helped.