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About Us
Founded in 2024, Polaris Percussion set out to innovate marching percussion. In an activity that is consistently evolving, we aim to provide students with a modern, world-class experience that will prove fulfilling as a performer.
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Polaris Percussion was created by people who love performing arts and we want to share that love with the next generation of performers.
Board of Directors
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Tyler Mayes
Founder & President
Tyler Mayes founded Polaris Percussion in 2024 with the vision of delivering a world-class independent marching experience to the many talented percussionists across Indiana and the Midwest. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors, Tyler leads the ensemble’s creative direction as the conceptual designer and battery arranger, shaping its unique musical and visual identity.
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An alumnus of Franklin Central High School, Tyler has contributed to the success of several percussion programs throughout Indiana, including Zionsville Community High School and Perry Meridian High School. He currently serves as the Percussion Director at Decatur Central High School in Indianapolis, where he continues to mentor and inspire the next generation of performers.
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Outside of Polaris Percussion, Tyler is a Project Development Analyst for the City of Indianapolis, where he applies his analytical skills to public sector initiatives, such as building code compliance, urban planning, and stormwater drainage & sediment control. Additionally, Tyler is a U.S. Army veteran and father.
Sarah Rabin
Operations Director
With a professional background in nonprofit leadership, organizational management, music education, and community outreach, Sarah Rabin brings a mission-driven approach to Polaris Percussion.
Sarah has an extensive performance resume, including the Marching Illini Colorguard, Colts Drum and Bugle Corps, Allegiance Independent Open Winter Guard, and Elevate Independent World Winter Guard. In addition to her education and performance history, Sarah remains actively involved in the performing arts, where she has served as the Visual Coordinator for Decatur Central High School, the Assistant Colorguard Director for Zionsville Community High School, and the Colorguard Director at Wheeling High School.
Outside of Polaris Percussion, Sarah currently serves as the Operations Administrator for Drum Corps International, where she plays a key role in the logistics and execution of one of the nation’s premier marching music organizations. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Administration from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a Master of Science in Leadership for Creative Enterprises from Northwestern University. Her experience reflects a deep commitment to both artistic excellence and community engagement.
Michael Rennaker
Secretary
Michael Rennaker is a composer and educator based in Central Indiana. With over a decade of experience in the marching arts, Michael serves Polaris Percussion as the Secretary and Front Ensemble Arranger.
Michael earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Composition from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2018 and pursued graduate studies at Ball State University, deepening his expertise in music education and performance to blend musical innovation with a strong educational foundation. Michael has contributed to the success of championship-winning programs across Indiana, including Western High School, Lewis Cass High School, Westfield High School, and Zionsville Community High School.
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Outside of Polaris Percussion, Michael serves as the Percussion Director for Zionsville Community High School and the Indiana Wesleyan University Marching Band. Maintaining a dynamic schedule, Michael travels across Indiana as a sought-after clinician, sound designer, arranger, and consultant, where he works to mentor young musicians and assist with shaping competitive percussion programs.
Jason Mayes
Treasurer
Working within the federal government, Jason brings a wealth of project management experience that is essential in maintaining fiscal responsibility. Jason works to ensure the organization operates as needed to keep up with the financial demands of the activity. Outside of Polaris Percussion, Jason is a father, grandpa, and husband.
