For the 12th year and counting, Drum Corps International’s INpact Indiana’s Future Band program brought unforgettable experiences to hundreds of students, parents, and audience members alike in the heart of the Hoosier State.
While serving as the epicenter of marching music as host of the DCI World Championships and surrounding events, August 8-10, Indianapolis also served as the location for two full days of memories for nearly 600 middle school band students.
According to director Katy Briel, whose full-time career is in the field of middle school music education, the INpact Band has a long and positive history of helping catapult students’ careers in music and the arts.
“I know that this experience has inspired many of our students,” she said. “We've had quite a few go into music education and our music teachers.”
DCI’s middle school honor band makes an “INpact” on music students’ futures
Following their registrations August 9, INpact students — who were selected following a period of nominations by Indiana middle school band directors — engaged in a full day of rehearsals at the Indiana Convention Center.
That evening, the band made its first performance appearance at Shining a Light on Music Education, a free event hosted by Downtown Indy, Inc. and held on downtown Indianapolis’ iconic Monument Circle.
The event featured several local ensembles, DCI participating drum corps and SoundSport teams, as well as an array of local food trucks, which offered INpact students a memorable night both on and off stage.
Saturday, August 10 featured another full day for INpact Band members, opening with a series of interactive leadership development activities prior to an appearance at the SoundSport International Music & Food Festival presented by Jazz Wealth.
That afternoon members entered the crown jewel venue of the marching arts and the INpact Band experience — Lucas Oil Stadium. A full-ensemble rehearsal preceded an evening performance to kickoff action at the DCI World Championship Finals.
Famed trumpet player and music education advocate Al Chez once again performed with the ensemble — an annual highlight of DCI’s “Finals Day” experience.
As such, one of the major benefits of the INpact band is the chance to share opportunities with up-and-coming musicians. Over the course of two days, middle school students gain exposure to a variety of performance mediums within the marching music industry.
“Our goal is to give students the experience to see what kind of activities they can pursue as a musician as they get older,” Briel said. “This is a great time for them to learn about how they can continue as a musician. We want them to be lifelong musicians, whether they go into a career in music or not. Our goal is to make sure that they continue playing their instruments.”
But as Briel put it, the best part of her role as INpact director is simply seeing the memories being made by hundreds of middle schoolers each year.
“My favorite part is watching them perform on the field,” she said. “They are so excited. They pour their heart into it, and just seeing that experience all come together, it makes me so proud.
“That we have 600 middle school students, completely quiet, walking through a hallway,” she joked. “That, in itself, is a miracle.”