Drumline LIVE stirs the adrenalin and thrills the soul. Think of a college football stadium packed shoulder to shoulder and the quickening rat-a-tat of the snare drums as the band marches onto the field at halftime. The history of “Drumline LIVE’s” intoxicating percussion rhythms, the eye-popping choreography and the athletic, high-stepping instrumentalists harks back a half-century to Florida A&M University, where show-style marching began. College bands around the country have enlarged their percussion sections and escalated their halftime programs to emulate Broadway shows. The competition is so stiff that the bands draw thousands to watch them outdo each other at the Big Southern Classic, the Bayou Classic and other competitions.
| Onstage |
| ‘Drumline LIVE’ |
| Where: George Mason University Center for the Arts |
| When: 7 p.m. Sunday |
| Info: $23 to $46, family-friendly |
The 2002 film “Drumline” took viewers by storm. The fictional plot about a Southern university was inspired by the marching band at Southwest DeKalb High School near Atlanta. It is no surprise that Don Roberts, director of that band and graduate of Florida A&M, is the executive band consultant of “Drumline LIVE.”
Under his wings, Southwest DeKalb High School band accumulated multiple honors, performed in the Macy’s Parade on numerous Thanksgiving Days and was a resounding hit at the 1996 Olympic Centennial held in Atlanta. Roberts also happens to be a graduate of Florida A&M University, where it all began.
“The movie became a cult favorite and developed a following across the nation and even worldwide,” Roberts said. “My band at Southwest DeKalb High School participated in the sound track and is seen in the film, although none of the members are principal characters. It was such a great experience for them and for me that this show began evolving.
“We auditioned nationwide both online and in person. I went to Florida A&M to recruit and we received uploaded auditions on YouTube. Two in the cast have Virginia ties, both from Norfolk State. One is a trumpet player and the other is a drummer, one of the best I’ve ever seen.”
“This is one of the hottest shows in theater today,” Roberts said. “Adults and children alike have never seen anything like it onstage.”
