On Aug. 10 and 11, North Daviess eighth grade band student Jacob Wilson, son of Chad and Norma Wilson of Odon, participated in an event known as the INPact Band.

The INPact Band is a program of Drum Corps International that is designed to celebrate the commitment to excellence made by middle school music programs all across the United States. Participation in this program motivates middle school students to consider the arts as they make important skills development decisions for their high school years and beyond, and impact lifelong arts behaviors.

Students who participated in the INPact Band enjoyed performing in front of thousands of spectators as a part of the national schedule of DCI Tour events including a performance in the PanAm Plaza Saturday morning and the main performance before thousands prior to DCI National Finals competition on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium. During the weekend event they took part in rehearsals and sectionals with professional artists Dr. Nik Pilato, associate director of bands at Indiana State University and with Al Chez, former Late Show with David Letterman trumpeter. They also took part in an educational leadership session with industry renowned motivational speaker Fran Kick that is specifically designed to inspire and excite the minds of middle school students.

To take part in the INPact Band, directors nominate students they feel have demonstrated a high level of commitment to their music departments. Applications are made in the spring when students are in grades six, seven, or eight. The applications and director nominations are reviewed and the students are then selected for participation. This year the committee reviewed over 900 applications and chose 500 students to participate in the mass band.