Florida Marching Arts, Inc. dba Impact Drum & Bugle Corps

IMPACT Drum and Bugle Corps is part of a long and storied tradition of performing units in the Central Florida area including the members of the Bahia Shrine Drum and Bugle Corps (1961-current) who have supported the organization with members and rehearsal facilities and equipment.

This unit is a direct descendant of Heat Wave of Orlando Sr Drum and Bugle Corps. Heat Wave was founded in 1992 when two other area groups from opposite coasts of the state decided come together to form something new. That group achieved success in the then newly formed Drum Corps Associates Class A category. They brought home a DCA National championship in 1998 and 2003 and finished second in 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002. The hurricanes of August of 2004 interrupted our shows and rehearsals for 2004 and only about half of our team made it to DCA Finals that year. In 2007, we rebranded as the Orlando Sun Devils 2008-2013 which won the DCA South Championships several years.

in 2012, work started for the next re-brand in which the founding 501c3 was renamed, Florida Marching Arts, Inc. to support additional groups, including Winter Guard, Percussion and Wind Ensembles. that had been created and spirit of that organization lived on in the members of the Bahia Shriners Drum Corps. In 2012 they decided it was time to grow the activity again in Orlando and compete nationally once again.

IMPACT performed in their first public competition in 2012 at the DCA World Championships in Annapolis, MD. Since then this dynamic group has grown by leaps and bounds. Impact now operates all year long, performing on a regular basis at conventions, parades, HS band shows, and more.

In 2016, IMPACT became a DCI Sound Sport team. This offered the group an opportunity to perform in front of DCI crowds again. The corps has traveled and competed in Orlando, Atlanta and Indianapolis. Since their debut in Sound Sport, they have earned Gold ratings and “Best in Show” honors in many competitions. IMPACT prides itself on being a Flagship unit for Sound Sport and continues to lead the way in helping grow the activity.

Diversity plays a major role in the success of the organization. The membership of IMPACT ranges in age from as young as 14 to a glorious 76 years old. They come from all walks of life, creeds, and religions. IMPACT prides itself on bringing people together for fun and fellowship through music excellence.