The Muncie Central High School Instrumental Music Program consists of the following: Symphony Band, Concert Band, Varsity Band, Spirit Band, Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, and the Bearcat Pride Marching Band. Bill Pritchett and H. Clay Arnett make up the instrumental music staff at CHS. Mr. Pritchett not only serves as Director of Bands, but also as Department chair. In addition to his schedule at CHS, Mr. Arnett serves as Director of Bands for Northside Middle School. Between CHS and NMS, Mr. Pritchett and Mr. Arnett work with over 400 band and orchestra students on a daily basis.

For the past 12 years, H. Clay Arnett has directed the CHS Jazz Band. This ensemble has performed at a variety of community events, festivals and contests. Most recently, the Jazz Band performed at the Madison County Jazz Festival and was selected to perform at the nationally recognized 2007 "New Trier Jazz Festival." The CHS Jazz Band traveled north of Chicago to participate in this festival. The CHS Jazz Band was the only high school jazz band representing Indiana at this festival. This award-winning ensemble has been recognized throughout the Midwest with numerous solo and ensemble awards.

The CHS Spirit Band performs at all home Football and Boys Basketball games. This ensemble is selected from volunteers within the band program. Winning the respect and appreciation of the community, CHS, and their band peers, the Spirit Band members donate their free time to support CHS athletic events and spirit opportunities on a regular basis. As an extension of the Spirit Band, a full drum line has been developed. This new unit has met rave reviews from students, staff and the community. The CHS Spirit Band is under the direction of Mr. Arnett.

The Symphony Band, Concert Band, and Varsity Band have received consecutive Division I ratings in ISSMA's Large Ensemble contests for many years. In addition, the two older bands have participated in the Lawrence Central High School Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis. The Symphony Band was the winner of the 1991 Shenandoah Apple Blossom Concert Band Festival in Washington, D.C.; selected as the Outstanding Concert organization for the 1992 Performing Arts Consultant's Concert Band Festival; one of three bands nationally selected by a NCBDA panel to receive a Gold Rating in competition with twenty-seven bands from across the United States at the 1993 Heritage Festival of Concert Bands in Nashville, Tennessee; selected to perform at the ISSMA's State Convention in 1994; the only band at the 1997 National Adjudicator's Invitational to receive an outstanding rating in Grade 6 in Atlanta, Georgia, and received a Superior Rating in Division V at the 2005 Dixie Classic held in Symphony Hall, Atlanta, Georgia. The success of Symphony Band has been well noted. Under Mr. Pritchett's direction, Symphony Band competes in the state concert band qualifier. In 2005, the CHS Symphony Band received ISSMA'S "With Distinction" award. This qualifier selects the top 16 high school concert bands out of 272. Symphony Band has been honored to be one of the "Sweet 16" of Indiana High School Concert Bands seven of the past seventeen years.

Students in the CHS Band program participate in a variety of musical activities in addition to the regular band schedule such as: All-State Percussion Ensemble, Honors All-State Band and All-State Band sponsored by the Indiana Bandmasters Association; Honor Band, All-State Jazz Band, and All-State Orchestra sponsored by IMEA; ISSMA Solo and Ensemble Contest both at the District and State level; and, the East Central Indiana Youth Symphony Orchestra. In addition, almost all of our students participate in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities and are consistently on the Honor Roll.

The Muncie Central High School Orchestra is open to all students with a background in string performance. The orchestra is directed by Bill Pritchett and has participated in the CHS Instrumental Concert series since the 98-99 school year. In addition, the student members also attended the Indiana State School Music Association's Solo and Ensemble contest each February. Again this year the CHS Orchestra will also participate in the ISSMA Large Ensemble contest, hosted by Muncie Central in April.

This past summer was the second year for the Bearcat Pride Marching Band! The "Pride" attended the Centerville Archway Classic, Delaware County Fair, Jay County Fair, Spirit of Sound, and the Indiana State Fair. In only their second State Fair appearance, the Bearcat Pride finished 13th of 45 bands! This "sweet sixteen" finish earned the "Pride" an invitation to perform in evening competition for 4000+ fans for the much publicized "night show." Through the marching band has developed the CHS Color Guard. Open to all students, the color guard is competing in the IHSCGA Winter competitions. The Bearcat Pride is under the Direction of H. Clay Arnett.

The Muncie Central Instrumental Music Department is proud to have over 180 students participating in its' programs! This represents nearly 20% of the school population - thanks to all for your continued support!