With a degree in Music Education from Butler University, Wesley Bullock conducted and performed in the original cast of the Broadway show Blast! He has served in the role of visual and artistic supervisor with Blast in 2001
and 2005 respectively. Since 2007, he’s consulted with the Dallas Brass as a staging director and choreographer. Additionally, he arranges music and writes drill for two groups from Japan and is currently the visual caption head for the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps. Wesley will visit area band class rehearsals with a focus on preparing students in
performance art. He will share tools and techniques to help them perform at their best and increase awareness of how to connect with audience members through their performances.

The DePue Brothers Band - Wallace (oldest brother), Alex (“The Fiddler”), Jason (Philadelphia Orchestra), and Zach (Time For Three and Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster) – merge brilliant technical prowess with a highly creative joy. With four additional musicians, including from the Philadelphia Orchestra, The DePue Brothers Band takes Bluegrass to an entirely new level. "This band of brothers, and symphonic friends, gives real meaning to the phrase 'progressive bluegrass,' bending genres while delivering a powerful mix of classical chops, blazing bluegrass, and rock and roll."

Ayrie King III, better known as Mr. Taps, presents the history of tap from African slave ships to Broadway musicals. Using his engaging personality and fancy footwork, Mr. Taps demonstrates the many styles of tap, from hip-hop moves of Savion Glover to the flair of Fred Astaire. During the workshop, Mr. Taps works with students on dance and choreography.

Grammy-winning Nashville songwriter Aaron Barker conducts this interactive workshop teaching about the song publishing business and poetry as he works with students to write a jingle in class. Aaron has thrown out the challenge this year of hosting a songwriting competition among students with Aaron and other songwriters judging the entries when they arrive in Wabash. The winner will be announced at his public concert on Friday, Nov. 5.

This presentation is supported by the Performing Arts Fund, a program of Arts Midwest funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art, with additional contributions from Indiana Arts Commission, General Mills Foundation, and Land O’Lakes Foundation

Poetry Alive’s high-energy assemblies are presented by two-person teams of professional actors. The curriculum driven shows are targeted for grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Students become an integral part of the show which includes 20-25 poems that can be found in popular textbooks and anthologies.