Jake Harpster is a former member of the Colts front ensemble in 2005-06 and the Carolina Crown front ensemble in 2007 where he played marimba.

He is currently finishing his Bachelor's Degree in Percussion Performance at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music where he studies with Kevin Bobo, John Tafoya, Steve Houghton, and Michael Spiro and is a member of the IU Percussion Ensemble, IU Steel Band, Brazilian ensemble, and Afro-Cuban Folkloric Ensemble. 

As a performer, Jake has received honors as a soloist, performing in the Kansas University Honors Recital in 2006, winner of the 2008 PASIC/Avedis Zildian scholarship, and was runner-up as a marimbist in the 2008 PAS Mid-Missouri Percussion Arts Trophy.

Jake is deeply involved in the music education scene of Central/Southern Indiana and has taught/consulted/arranged for many high schools in the area including 2009 WGI World Class runner-up Center Grove High School.