Are your social media friends suddenly changing their profile pictures to contain a message for support of Westfield High School’s band program?
If so, you’re probably connected to Indiana’s wide network of band directors, staff, parents and former band members.
Many of them started changing their pictures on April 23 to include the text, “proud to support Westfield Band.” That came in reaction to comments made by Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith this week urging families to use vouchers to leave public schools like Westfield.
Post about Westfield band disappeared, then restored
Beckwith’s message accused “schools like Westfield” of “giving the (middle finger emoji) to Christian Conservative families.” His comment referred to a video posted last month on Westfield’s account with the school’s winter percussion ensemble wearing costumes and makeup for their 2026 show.
The show is titled “The Red Line” and includes musical selections from the opera “Carmen.”
“Carmen,” written by composer Georges Bizet and librettists Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy, premiered in Paris in 1875, according to the Metropolitan Opera.
Beckwith doubles down on social media comments
Beckwith, a Republican and self-identifying Christian nationalist, called the production “demonic filth” during an April 24 radio interview.
“They’re taking your money. They’re warping your kids,” Beckwith said on Fort Wayne’s 92.3 WOWO. “They’re pushing demonic filth down their throats, and it’s happening all over the state.”
The wider community of people involved in marching arts took notice.
Marching arts can be seen as a fairly niche area, but like with any activity for students, several people are involved behind the scenes to help kids who are handed a musical instrument or a flag.
It’s not just educators. It’s also the parents and volunteers, who are moving equipment, creating props and fixing costumes and flags, helping students get into uniforms before a contest and giving them snacks afterward.
Then it’s those involved in the planning and execution of those contests. Nonprofit leaders, event staff and those who design and make costumes.
In the end, it’s a long list, and an even longer one in the Hoosier state.
Indiana is a hub for the marching arts
Every winter, thousands of students, parents and fans flock to Indianapolis for the annual Bands of America Grand National Championships. It’s been going on for 50 years.
Although there are far more marching band and winter marching arts performers than will become musicians or music educators as adults, a chunk of them continue in the activity after they graduate. Many high school performers go on to perform in other ensembles.
Drum Corps International (known as “marching music’s major league”) is also based in Indianapolis and has committed to staying through 2033.
Indiana once had its own world-class drum and bugle corps called Star of Indiana, based in Bloomington and funded by the late Bill Cook. That ensemble evolved into a group called Brass Theater, and later found its way to Broadway stages as the Tony-award winning show “Blast!”
Other support for Westfield band
Westfield Mayor Scott Willis has spoken up supporting the band program, as has the Indiana Percussion Association.
“These performers dedicate countless hours to developing discipline, teamwork, creativity and resilience — qualities that extend far beyond the floor and into their everyday lives,” IPA posted on its Instagram page. “Programs like this don’t just build musicians; they build confident, hardworking young people who represent our communities with pride.”
Hamilton County reporter Jake Allen and pop culture reporter Heather Bushman contributed to this report.
Contact digital editor Jenny Porter Tilley at jtilley@indystar.com.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Why you’re seeing ‘Proud to Support Westfield Band’ on social media
Reporting by Jenny Porter Tilley, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
