Born and raised in the charming town of Atlantic, Iowa, Sam Johnson discovered his lifelong passion for music and education. Graduating from Iowa State University in 2015 with a Bachelor's degree in Music Education, he embarked on a journey that seamlessly blended his love for teaching and commitment to the arts. Over the course of six years, Sam dedicated himself to shaping young minds, teaching both band and general music throughout the state of Iowa. His impact extended beyond the classroom when he transitioned to the role of academic advisor for Iowa State University's College of Design, broadening his influence in the academic sphere.

He now serves as the Marching Band Operations Admin for the Iowa State University Cyclone Marching Band, where Sam plays a pivotal role in orchestrating the band's success. Before his current role, Sam showcased his creative flair as the Videographer& Media Coordinator for the Cyclone Marching Band for almost a decade, seamlessly merging technology and the arts. Beyond the local stage, he has left an indelible mark on the national scene, having served on the administrative staff of the Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps for three summers.Sam continues to be a beacon in the worlds of music and education, inspiring others through his diverse roles and unwavering dedication to both local and national communities.

Cody Ihnen grew up in southwest Iowa. After graduating from Atlantic High School, Cody attended Iowa State University and graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering. Cody now works for Hagie Manufacturing as an Integration Engineer, focusing on integrating components from the global John Deere enterprise into the Hagie sprayer.

While attending school at Atlantic, Cody participated in everything the music department had to offer. He began in band, playing the trombone, but his interests quickly ballooned to include choir, show choir, concert band, marching band, pep band, and jazz band. Outside of school, Cody also ran a big band group called Popcorn Button which provided free big band dance concerts for the Atlantic Community.

While at Iowa State, Cody marched with the ISUCF‘V’MB for 4 years, and served as student staff for a 5th. Today, Cody continues to volunteer with the group, providing logistical support to professional staff during performances and travel. Cody also volunteers with the South Hamilton High School marching band as their marching fundamentals instructor.

Cody is excited to be working with Iowa Indoor Marching Arts this season!

Annie Pelka, originally from Chicagoland, studied the art of movement at the University of North Texas, receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance. While in school she simultaneously marched 4 years at the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps, which grew into a long teaching career at the same corps. After graduating she moved to Atlanta, GA as a performer and teacher. Studying hands-on bodywork and deciphering common movement patterns proved to be the foundation for her massage practice after becoming a Licensed Massage Therapist.

Annie has had the great honor of working with many marching band, winter guard and percussion programs in various design and instruction capacities; some of these programs include Paramount Winter Guard, Odyssey Percussion Theatre, Harrison High School, Kell High School, Mill Creek High School, Pope High School, Mt. Juliet High School, Chantilly High School, Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps, and Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps.