The Kokomo Marching Wildkats competed at the Indiana State Fair Band Day on Friday, Aug 7, 2026. The Kats brought home a fourth place finish. This year’s show, called Batter Up!, was about a baseball game and the love of the game.

“I  can truly say that I loved everything about this show. I love how the guard uses bats, I love all of the guard’s silks,” said guard director Deanne Wideman. “I enjoy the music, I love the band body that coordinates with the guard work, and I love the pit adding their flare and enthusiasm into the show.”

Assistant band director Justin Ekstrom really enjoyed watching the band and guard compete and improve throughout the season, culminating in their state finals appearance.

“I was proud of our finish. Our students understand that this is a subjective art form, and like golf, you can only control your performance,” Ekstrom said. “There is nothing you can do to keep your competitors from having a great performance as well. We improved over the course of the season, and our students laid it all on the line for Finals.”

Even though the KHS band is smaller than many of the bands they compete against, the Wildkats raised the bar for competitions this season. They relied on a strong rookie class and perseverance to push through long competition days. Both the guard and the rookie class of marchers helped raise the bar higher for the Marching Wildkats. Celebrating together at the end of the season makes the stress and fatigue worth it. 

“My favorite memory of the season is the cheering from the members at the end of the Finals performance,” Ekstrom said. “They looked like they truly enjoyed themselves, and I could see some of our shy members authentically open up.”