1982: Contest asks Hoosiers to create ‘Wander Indiana’ theme song

INDIANAPOLIS — The Wander Indiana marketing campaign started in January 1982 with the purpose of attracting extra vacationers to the Hoosier state.

The Tourism Workplace of the Division of Commerce launched the marketing campaign with a price range of $390,000 in 1982.

The promotional marketing campaign had its personal brand and even a line of merchandise often known as Wander Ware. One factor it was lacking, although, was a music.

Identify that tune

With no cash allotted for recording its personal music, the Division of Commerce turned to Hoosiers.

It held a contest for the general public to submit music entries with the possibility of changing into the official Wander Indiana theme music.

“You want a music,” Jan Diggins, the director of tourism improvement for the Division of Commerce, instructed WRTV in August 1982. “It’s a superb type of promoting and other people get a tune of their head and so they go round buzzing and singing all of it day.”

The prize-less contest was a priceless alternative for 81 entrants.

WRTV reporter Derrik Thomas famous that the Tourism Workplace of the Division of Commerce regarded much less like an workplace and extra like a music studio.

Thomas listened to a couple of the entries, which spanned genres from gospel to jazz.

Music to my Earmark

Lt. Gov. John Mutz’s Tourism Advisory Council introduced the profitable entry in September 1982.

The music, appropriately titled Wander Indiana, was created by a music manufacturing firm named Earmark Inc.

Earmark, composed totally of Hoosiers, donated the work, which was written by W. Douglass Benge and organized by Pete Schmutte. The music was recorded at Soundsmith Recording in Indianapolis.

Indiana Governor Robert Orr heralded the music, saying it could be a welcome change from Michigan’s, “Say Sure to Michigan,” marketing campaign which on the time had plagued Hoosier airwaves.

“It’s my understanding that it’s far more logical, all of us having to take heed to that terrible factor that has been on the tube and on the air so steadily selling a state to the north of us, with music and lyrics, it’s going to be good for us right here in Hoosierland to have our personal music the place we are able to promote the state of Indiana.”

Whereas Earmark offered the music as a rustic piece, it was chosen for its versatility. The work might simply be organized for rock, symphony, large band or marching bands.

1982: ‘Wander Indiana’ theme music

Wander Indiana Lyrics

Breathe within the mornin’ sunshine on an Indiana Day.
Then profit from your time.
Come and play the Indiana method.
Wander Indiana, there’s a lot right here so that you can see and do.
Wander Indiana, Indiana’s prepared now for you.
In Indiana, there’s time to name your individual.
However you’ll by no means be alone, trigger we’re your mates.
From the cities to the cities to the hills.
The feelin’ lives.
It by no means ends.
Wander Indiana, let your wanderin’ spirit come on through.
Wander Indiana, Indiana’s prepared now for you.
In Indiana, there’s sky and air to breathe.
And a method so that you can be extra like your self.
You’ll discover the individuals are anxious to be recognized.
As people to show to if you need assistance.
And in Indiana, there’s good instances made for you.
It doesn’t matter what you do or what you want.
Indiana has the place and the best way.
Give us a strive.
Give us a strive.
Drink within the painted sundown of an Indiana day.
And are available see all you get.
Come and play the Indiana method.
Wander Indiana, allow you to wanderin’ spirit come on through.
Wander Indiana, Indiana’s prepared now for you.