Ian Shepherd, Performer, Educator: Ian marched with the Cavaliers drum and bugle corps in 1990 and 1991, performing as center snare in the drumline's championship 1991 season. While studying music education at the University of Illinois, he played snare in the Marching Illini drumline, acting as section leader for two years. Since 1993, he's been a staff member for the Marching Illini Drumline and has served as an instructor for the university's annual Smith-Walbridge clinics for twelve years. Ian has been a featured soloist and clinician for Eastern Illinois University's percussion ensemble since 2004 and also instructed Iowa State University's drumline in 2004 and 2006. He is currently the battery caption head at Indianapolis Independent Percussion, a two time WGI finalist.

In addition to his collegiate work, Ian has had his own private teaching studio since 1994. Many of his students have gone on to study music at the University of Illinois, Eastern Illinois University, University of Michigan, and Berklee School of Music. Some former students have also gone on to march with The Cavaliers, Bluecoats, Glassmen, Southwind, Bluestars and Pioneer among other drum corps. Ian has also played and toured professionally since 1992 in a variety of musical settings ranging from progressive rock to free-form jazz. He has also played on hundreds of recordings including dozens of full-length albums, jingles, and a video game soundtrack for Sony Playstation. Ian has worked with many talented and acclaimed musicians such as Viktor Krauss (Lyle Lovett, Bill Frisell), Merle Saunders (Jerry Garcia, Miles Davis), and Grammy award-winning blues artist Lucky Peterson. He is currently on tour and in the studio with The Nadas. Ian lives in Indianapolis, Indiana with his wife and two children.