With the vision to inspire young hearts and minds to choose musical activities as they move into high school, college, and beyond, the INpact Indiana’s Future Band has helped impact the lives of countless middle school music students across Indiana.
Beginning with just 200 students in its first edition in 2012, the INpact Band has grown to more than 500 participants in recent years. Some 1,200 applied to take part in the program in 2023.
“INpact Band has given my students a vision for their future as young musicians,” said Katy Briel, a middle school band director in Greenwood, Indiana, who also serves as director for the INpact Band program. “As a band director, it is my goal to create lifelong musicians.”
INpact is a two-day program hosted in Indianapolis as part of the Drum Corps International World Championships. Students are led through rehearsals, leadership exercises, and three performances throughout the weekend, culminating with their performance at the kickoff of the DCI World Championship Finals at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Attend the DCI World Championship Finals in Indianapolis
As part of the weekend’s events, a team of Indiana-based educators leads rehearsals and a leadership session is led by industry-renowned motivational and leadership coach, Fran Kick. Students are also given time to socialize with their bandmates and watch drum corps as they rehearse and prepare for their performances.
INpact alumni are welcome to return to the band in high school as mentors to the performing middle school students. Mentors attend leadership training sessions of their own, assist directors with the students, help the administrative team with logistics, and more.
“These students are true leaders and an invaluable asset to the INpact program,” Briel said.
Many alumni continue to stay involved in music and the marching arts. Some even report that their participation in the honor band convinced them to stay involved in music and become band directors themselves.
INpact assistant lead band director Amelia Woolery, who first participated in the honor band in 2013, serves as a prime example. She has now been assisting with the INpact Band for three years and is an elementary school instrumental music teacher.
Other INpact alumni report that participating in the band inspired them to march in DCI drum corps and even go on to careers as professional musicians including the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps.
Learn more about three former INpact performers who have gone on to accomplished performance resumes and careers since participating in the honor band program:
Name: Aliya Leech
Years with INpact Band: 2018-2019
Now: Troopers, Elevate Independent World Winter Guard
In their words: “The combination of getting to perform the pre-show for DCI Finals and having the privilege to watch finals live, it was a really amazing opportunity and an unforgettable experience.”
Name: Jonathan Tebbe
Years with INpact Band: 2013-2014
Now: Blue Stars, Crawfordsville Community Schools (IN) Band Director
In their words: “INpact provided me with an amazing educational opportunity that helped me see what music could provide and do for students. Now as a teacher, my goal is to ensure that all of my students are provided with the same opportunities and more.”
Name: Jocelyn Hutchins
Years with INpact Band: 2012-2013
Now: Rhythm X Winds, Elevate Winds, Indianapolis Ignition, Purdue Fort Wayne Bands, University of Indianapolis Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Orchestra
In their words: “Don’t be afraid to connect with people. We fear people will judge us or don’t want to talk to us when a lot of times they are also just as nervous as you. Music is a connection that isn’t comparable to social media or normal school. We participate as a choice and we all want to become our best versions of ourselves.”
The INpact Band continues to be a pillar of music education experiences for young musicians across the state of Indiana, inspiring and igniting passion in the performing and marching arts.
The INpact Band will return this summer to the DCI World Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana August 9-10, and is expected to be the program’s largest iteration to date.
Learn more about Drum Corps International’s INpact and BANDtastic programs