Indiana Percussion Network

Indiana has a strong percussion network of students, educators and performers. A rich and active percussion community, supported by a strong marching band tradition, professional performance groups, and growing independent ensembles. 

​​Indiana’s percussion scene is highly respected nationwide, with a healthy mix of:

  • Colleges and University programs across the state

  • Professional sports drumlines Pacers, Colts, High Octane (Indianapolis 500)

  • Elite scholastic and indoor percussion programs across the state

  • Rich collegiate programs

  • Nationally recognized independent WGI programs

  • Rhythm Discovery Center Museum, by the Percussive Arts Society

Whether you’re a student, educator, or performer, there are plenty of outlets to participate, teach, or watch high-level percussion across the state.

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra

  • Hosts a full season of ticketed events and participates in several community performances.

  • Symphony on the Prairie at Connor Prairie is a seasonal performance schedule offered every summer in Indianapolis. 

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Indiana Pacers, Fever and Indy 500 Drumline (“High Octane Drumline”)

  • Performs at NBA, WNBA games, the Indy 500 and community events.

  • Known for high energy and tight visuals, blending hip-hop, street beats, and arena-style drumming.

  • Members are usually skilled marching percussionists, many with DCI or WGI experience.

  • Auditions are competitive and typically occur pre-season.

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Indianapolis Colts Drumline (“The Herd”)

  • Performs at NFL home games and tailgates.

  • Combines traditional cadence-style drumming with fan interaction and high-energy visuals.

  • Often includes alumni from college lines, DCI, or WGI.

  • Members are paid and auditions are competitive and typically occur pre-season.

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Other Performance Opportunities

  • Community Ensembles: Community bands/orchestras include several percussion opportunities.

  • DCI: Many high school and college age Indiana students march with corps from across the country.

  • Clinics & Festivals: PASIC (Percussive Arts Society International Convention): Happens annually in Indianapolis — it’s the largest percussion convention in the world. A major hub for networking, clinics, performances, and industry showcases and the IPA Clinic Day where both students and Educators participate.

  • Special Events: ensembles are formed to participate in a variety of ways around the community including the NFL Super Bowl.

Marching Band & Indoor Percussion Culture

  • ISSMA

    The Indiana State School Music Association hosts state marching band championships and other organizational contests including concert band, Jazz band and solo and ensemble.

  • IHSCGA

    The Indiana High School Color Guard Association hosts color guard circuit for Indiana, one of the biggest circuits in the country.

  • IAEN

    The Indiana Arts Education Network’s mission is to ensure that every Indiana student has reliable access to a well-rounded education that includes music & the arts.

  • BOA

    Bands Of America/Music for All hosts regional and national competitive circuit for marching arts as well as summer symposium and other learning opportunities across the country. BOA grand Nationals is held in Indianapolis every November.

  • DCI

    Drum Corps International is host to the marching arts major league. Top tier Drum Corps from around the country compete every summer and participate in World Finals held each summer in Indianapolis.

  • WGI

    Several Indiana groups compete nationally–the largest state contingency in the country. WGI World Championships are held annually in neighboring Dayton, OH. Indiana is home to multiple Independent ensembles that participate on the national circuit.

Higher Education

  • Indiana University "IU" logo

    Indiana University (Bloomington)

    World-class concert percussion studio and marching programs.

  • Ball State University

    Strong percussion studio and marching band.

  • Purdue University

    Known for its marching band and precision percussion section.

  • Indiana State University

    Host of IPA State Championships and known for its world percussion and steel drum band.

  • Butler University

    Strong Percussion studio, also known for their summer percussion camp held in June.

  • University of Indianapolis

    Open to all students, the UIndy Percussion Ensemble explores a wide range of repertoire from classic to contemporary.

  • Marian University

    Marian’s music programs welcome both music majors and non-music majors to perform diverse music across genres and styles.

  • Franklin College

    Small class sizes and individual attention paired with a comprehensive curriculum for the music major or music minor.