Clad in black cargo pants with walkie-talkies, you would think the percussionists of the MSU Competition Drum Line were at a casting call for the movie “Mission: Impossible.” Sort of.
The MSU Competition Drum Line showed off its musical talent in the Percussive Arts Society International Convention last month. Held in Dallas, the group competed against seven other colleges in its division with its “Mission: Impossible” theme, performing both music from the movie and sporting the high-tech gear. Members also attended a music convention the previous day. Overall, they placed sixth in the indoor marching percussion division.
“It was an amazing musical show,” said Adam Kendall, a telecommunication junior and president of the group. “We were just ramming out the notes. I really enjoyed our performance.”
The group is the first MSU Competition Drum Line since 1983, when the organization was started to allow percussion majors and members of the Spartan Marching Band drum line to participate at indoor marching percussion competitions.
This semester, all majors were allowed to audition. Throughout the summer, the group practiced five days a week to prepare for Dallas, and was one of the few groups to represent a Big Ten school.
“We have not had a day off this semester,” Kendall said. “But we love drumming so much that it makes it worth it.”
Aside from the time dedicated, the members of the Competition Drum Line have committed themselves to a musical challenge. While performing the 10-piece orchestral ensemble composed by John Weber, the Competition Drum Line instructor and an MSU alumnus, the group also had to simultaneously perform the accompanying drill, or marching technique.
And even though it isn’t exactly an impossible mission, it is much more challenging than the eye perceives.
“It was very challenging notewise,” said Nate Glick, a German and music sophomore. “It definitely gave us more percussion ensemble experience.”
The group is divided into two groups - the mallet percussion and the snares, tenors, cymbals and bass. The members of each subsection must work together while playing instruments of different pitches on different parts. Each section must blend different note values, beat division and rhythms to produce one piece of music.
“The level of playing ability at MSU is higher than most of the Big Ten schools,” Kendall said. “Playing with percussionists here forces you to improve and learn.”
John Madden, Spartan Marching Band director, joined the group in Dallas and is also a huge supporter.
“MSU percussion continues to make positive impressions on students and professionals from across the country,” Madden said. “It’s great visibility for our program, and it’s a terrific recruiting opportunity.”
The Competition Drum Line is planning to head to Nashville, Tenn., next fall to perform in another PAS International Convention. Despite the huge time commitment and the challenge, group members say they are ready to go again.
Although the group didn’t finish first, Madden said he was happy with its performance.
“I couldn’t be more proud,” he said. “They were fantastic.”
For more information, contact the MSU Competition Drum Line at drumline@msu.edu.
ELSA WEGMAN
