Briana Blankenship joined the Indiana Wesleyan University Division of Music+Theatre in 2020 as the first Director of Athletic Bands to head the first-ever Marching Band at IWU.  In addition to directing the Marching Wildcats, Ms. Blankenship is in charge of the IWU Wildcat Pep Band, assists with the IWU Wind Ensemble, and is on the Music Education faculty. 

Ms. Blankenship holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education and a Master of Arts degree in Music with an emphasis in Trumpet Performance from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia.  Prior to her service at IWU, Ms. Blankenship taught instrumental, vocal, and general music in secondary public schools in West Virginia for six years.  During that time, she led her ensembles to receive numerous awards, including a West Virginia Marching Band State Championship.  She also served as an adjunct faculty and Graduate Assistant with the 320+ member “Marching Thunder” and Jazz Studies program at Marshall University. 

Ms. Blankenship remains an active performer, guest conductor, and clinician.  She holds memberships in the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), College Band Directors Association (CBDNA) and Indiana Bandmasters Association (IBA).