By Rachel Puckett, Music for All—
MUNCIE, IN—Music for All proudly presented its prestigious President’s Award to Karen Adkins, Senior Executive Director of Auxiliary Services for University Food, Beverage, Conference Services and Special Events at Ball State University and Ball State University alumna, during the opening of the 2025 Bands of America Summer Camp concert. The award recognizes Adkins’ extraordinary contributions to Music for All and the Bands of America Summer Camp over the past 14 years.
Adkins has played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the BOA Summer Camp since its relocation to Ball State in 2011. Her leadership and mission-driven commitment have helped provide a first-class experience to tens of thousands of student campers, educators, and staff.
Music for All’s President’s Award celebrates the leadership, service, and contributions of people who have had an extraordinary positive impact on Music for All and Bands of America. The award was presented on stage by Music for All Acting CEO, Debbie Laferty Asbill, who lauded Adkins for her unwavering partnership and exceptional service.
“We feel such gratitude to everyone at Ball State University for the incredible care they take in planning for the Bands of America Summer Camp,” said Asbill. “Karen has been instrumental in making this camp feel like home. Her professionalism, attention to detail, and heart for service have made a lasting impact on every camper who has passed through our program.”
Following the presentation, the audience of students, families, and faculty offered an enthusiastic standing ovation to Adkins, celebrating her years of commitment and excellence.
Music for All extends its heartfelt appreciation to Karen Adkins and the entire Ball State University team for their continued support and partnership.
About Music for All
Music for All’s mission is to create, provide, and expand positively life-changing experiences through music. Our vision is to be a catalyst to ensure that every child in America has access and opportunity for active music-making in their scholastic environment. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization, Music for All’s events and programs serve more than 600,000 attendees annually –– and more than 1.7 million program participants since 1975. Programs include the Bands of America Regional and the Grand National Championships for marching bands; the Bands of America Summer Camp for students and teachers; the Music for All National Festival for concert bands, orchestras, and percussion ensembles; national honor ensembles including the Honor Band of America, Jazz Band of America, and the Honor Band in the Rose Parade®, Advocacy in Action Awards, the Music for All Podcast Network, and affiliate concert and marching events across America. Visit musicforall.org
You can keep up with the latest information for Music for All online at musicforall.org, Facebook (@musicforallnetwork and @bandsofamerica,) Instagram (@officialmusicforall,) and TikTok (@officialmusicforall.)
Sponsor Information
Music for All efforts are supported through sponsorships, including current partnerships with National Presenting Sponsor: Yamaha Corporation of America; Official Instrument Rental Partner: Sweetwater; Official Uniform Sponsor: Fred J. Miller, Inc.; Official Student Travel Partner: Music Travel Consultants; Official Spirit Wear Sponsor: PepWear; Corporate Sponsors: Ball State University and Visit Indy; and Associate Sponsor: StylePlus. Music for All is also supported by the Arts Council of Indianapolis and the City of Indianapolis; Ball Brothers Foundation; Lilly Endowment Inc.; George and Frances Ball Foundation; Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation, Inc., Nicholas H. Noyes, Jr., Memorial Foundation, Inc, the Arthur Jordan Foundation, and The NAMM Foundation.
