The Beginnings of Mason's Drumline

By Connect Mason Reporter Matt Todd

Doc Nix Finds A Drumline Director

Consisting of high school upperclassmen and college freshman, with the exception of cymbals player Serena Maxey, a working mother of two, the GMU Drumline recently continued it's inaugural season at Mason's home basketball games.

The percussionist group began just last fall when Dr. Michael Nickens, known to most at Mason as Doc Nix, approached band instructor Chris Martin, who is also a member of the United States Air Force Ceremonial Band.

"I've been working with Dr. Michael Nickens for several years with the Thomas Edison High School Marching Eagles," said Martin. "When he was appointed Director of Athletic Bands at GMU, he approached me with the idea of starting a drumline."

"We agreed that there were a growing number of professional sports teams in the NBA and NFL that provided drumlines as entertainment at games." Martin continued.

"This possibility combined with the opportunity for creating a new musical tradition for GMU students and alumni was definitely an exciting combination. Dr. Nickens received outstanding support from the University and I was able to use my endorsements with Vic Firth drumsticks and Pearl drums in order to outfit the drumline essentially from nothing."

Auditions were held back in late-October of 2007, which were advertised at local high school band competitions. A website was set up in conjunction with the Department of Music and the Green Machine Pep Band.

"Thankfully, I had some former and current students interested in playing," says Martin.

A Few Good Recruits

Martin and Nickens, along with Patch Moss of the dance department and the pep band, round out the leadership of the young drummers.

Martin and Nix are working on recruitment and holding auditions this coming Fall, tentatively to be held late September to early October. Martin is hoping to be ready for GMU's "Midnight Madness" and the beginning of the basketball season.

What does one need to make the cut?

"A strong rudimental background is highly encouraged but not necessarily required," said Martin. "We prefer a great attitude and a dynamic performance energy as we support the team and the fans. You don't have to be a music major but if you were in marching band or drum corps in high school, that always helps."

Drumline practices weekly at the Patriot Center and they perform at home games. Martin is also planning promotional appearances at local drumline competitions while they continue to play for the GMU events including the intramural football games.

GMU's reaction to the drumline has become tremendously positive and supportive.

"My favorite memory so far has been the enormous crowd of people dancing and cheering with us at the North Gate after the Old Dominion game," said Martin. "It's always great to see so many people have a great time at a home game and to be a part of that was just electric for the drumline and the fans."