NORTH DAVIESS BANDS REPRESENTED

IN INDIANAPOLIS DURING DCI WEEKEND

   On August 9 and 10, six middle school band students represented North Daviess Jr./Sr. High School at an event known as “INPact Band – Indiana’s Future Band”. Drum Corps International sponsors this event and it is a middle school honor band featuring students from across the state of Indiana. During the weekend, students have the opportunity to perform as a part of DCI World Championship weekend held annually in Indianapolis, Indiana at Lucas Oil Stadium. This year was the twelvth year for the INPact Band event which has been held annually since 2013 with a couple of years off due to the COVID pandemic.  The program is designed to motivate middle school students to consider the arts as they make important skill development decisions for their high school years and beyond which directly impact lifelong behaviors such as teamwork, dependability, perseverance, and commitment.

    In order to be a part of the band, students are nominated by their band directors based on talent, effort, and leadership criteria. To complete the nomination, students fill out an application in the spring and submit the application for review.  This year, there were close to 1500 applications sent in and around 600 students were chosen to be a part of the ensemble. During the weekend, musical instruction is provided by middle school band directors serving on a volunteer basis leading small groups and assisting the mass ensemble. This year’s guest conductor again was Dr. Jon Noworyta, Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Bands, Instrumental Activities, and Outreach at the University of Indianapolis. Guest artist on trumpet was Al Chez who pe.rformed many years on late night television as part of the house band on the Late Show With David Letterman and even has the distinction of being a guest character on The Simpsons animated television show

    The students had a three performance opportunities during the weekend – one at Monument Circle Friday night, another performance Saturday afternoon as part of DCI's "SoundSport" competition event and the final performance which concluded the event Saturday evening as the students performed on the field of Lucas Oil Stadium in front of 15,000 spectators prior to Finals of the DCI World Championship, a 3 day competitive event of DCI’s Marching Music’s Major League.

    Representing North Daviess this year were: 9th grade student Ellie Mumma – Flute, daughter of Brad and Andrea Mumma. 8th grade students Rhys Judy - Trumpet, nephew of Evan and Larynda Judy; John Caines - Horn, son of Tylor and Katrina Caines, Triston Saucerman - Trombone, son of Brittany & Jeffrey Sherman and Brandon & Kristen Cullison. 7th grade students KayeLee Jones - Alto Saxophone, daughter of Bryan and Savilla Jones; Alison Gabrel - Clarinet, daughter of Louie and Heather Gabrel.   Three former participants returned this year to serve as mentors. During their time with INPact Band, the mentors perform many tasks such as loading and unloading the equipment truck, moving music stands and instruments around as needed, assist with handing out meals for the event as well as co-teaching and helping students who may be struggling with their assigned music parts. The Mentors also helped lead a break-out session Saturday afternoon as part of the event. Attending this year as Mentors were Shannon Graber – Percussion, daughter of David and Edna Graber; Sarah Mumma – Percussion, daughter of Brad and Andrea Mumma; and Kaylee Caines – Percussion, daughter of Tylor and Katrina Caines.