Garrett High School

Garrett High School senior Abigail Thomas has been selected to the 2026 Indiana All-State Honor Band, earning one of the most prestigious honors available to high school musicians in the state.

Selection to the All-State Honor Band follows a rigorous, highly competitive audition process in which students from every high school in Indiana are eligible to compete. The ensemble is comprised of the very best student musicians statewide, with only 17 clarinetists selected across all schools. Thomas’ achievement places her among the top high school musicians in Indiana.

Adding to an already remarkable week, Thomas also earned 2nd place in the annual Warsaw Symphony of the Lakes Concerto Competition last week, further highlighting her exceptional talent and musicianship.

Thomas’ selection to the 2026 Indiana All-State Honor Band is the culmination of years of dedication and perseverance. She has auditioned for All-State every year of her high school career, earning a spot on the alternate list in 2025 before breaking through with full selection this year.

Her accomplishment also carries historic significance for Garrett High School. The last GHS student selected to the Indiana All-State Band was in 1968, nearly six decades ago. The most recent GHS alternate prior to Thomas was Doug Ahr in 1986. Thomas’ selection marks a rare and remarkable milestone in the school’s fine arts history.

Notably, the 2026 All-State Honor Band roster is dominated by large metropolitan and Indianapolis-area schools. Thomas is the only musician from Northeast Indiana to be selected this season.

Garrett High School and the Garrett-Keyser-Butler Community School District congratulate Abigail Thomas on these outstanding accomplishments and celebrate the dedication, discipline, and excellence she represents.