In the realm of college entertainment, the drumline often serves as an essential experience for game-day excitement, providing energy both on and off the field. 

Drumline is a program that recruits both experienced and inexperienced percussionists to participate in the music played at campus events such as football games, homecoming celebrations and general community events in the area. 

At Grand View University, their relatively new drumline program is beginning to see a significant transition with the arrival of director Hunter Grace. Through insights from Grace himself and returning student Kenzie Brown, the story of this evolving program successfully highlights dedication, challenges and a promising future for the GVU Drumline. 

Grace brings well over a decade of percussion experience to the role. Starting in high school and continuing through college at Iowa State University, Grace has immersed himself in the ever-expanding world of drumline. 

“I’ve been doing things with drumline for at least a decade now. I started in high school, played all the way through college, and recently, I’ve taught at Iowa State. I’ve also taught at a couple of different independent ensembles; and now, of course, I’m here,” Grace said. 

Grace’s background includes competitive circuits like WGI (Winter Guard International) and DCI (Drum Corps International) where he performed for three to four years with each group before transitioning to teaching. Most recently, he served as battery coordinator for River City Rhythm, instructing around 30 students during an intensive summer program. 

Grace’s passion for drums began unexpectedly in fifth grade, when his parents switched him from trombone to percussion. 

“I had always been interested in music, but I joined band on  trombone when I was in fifth grade, and my parents said no. They called the school and moved me into percussion,” Grace said.

Though he didn’t make the drumline as a high school freshman, a fortunate call-up changed everything, and he never looked back. Since then, Grace has surpassed his goals as a percussionist and plans to carry that passion going forward in his career. 

Taking over from previous director Kyler Boss, Grace praises the foundation laid before him, especially since the program is just now approaching its second year at GVU.            

“I think he did a great job getting this thing set up, especially since this is something that the college hasn’t had. It’s very difficult to just start a new thing, especially something that requires so much commitment just from the get go,” Grace said.  

With strong retention from last year’s members, the group hit the ground running, performing at the first football game just one week after starting rehearsals. 

Currently, the drumline consists of only three sections: snare, bass and quads. There is also talk about adding a cymbal line in the future, which is another large commitment is the drumline’s coordination with the band and choir. 

Overseen by music director Josh Boggs, band and choir involve overlapping members, but joint performances between the two ensambles are a potential goal down the line as well. 

A bass drummer and returning member, Kenzie Brown joined last year after an extensive musical background in band and orchestra.

“I was in band from sixth grade up into my freshman year. I did marching band, jazz band and concert band, but I’ve always been involved in music,”  Brown said. 

As a former brass player on instruments like trumpet and French horn, she appreciates the drum lessons provided, which teaches reading sheet music and technical skills. The group remains small; four or five bass players, two snares, one quad and occasional the  cymbals. 

The recent shift to Grace’s leadership has introduced a more structured approach compared to Boss’s casual style. Brown fondly remembers Boss’s fun, flexible rehearsals, 

“I personally, really, really loved Kyler. He was really understanding and he made it more fun rather than a job in a way. He would always ask us when we’re available, and if we’re available. Rehearsals were just always fun,” Brown said. 

Under Grace’s leadership, however, the focus is on professionalism and fundamentals.

“He’s definitely trying to shift what we were last year to be a more professional and more put-together drumline,” Brown said. 

As an example, the first rehearsal emphasized basics like proper stance, contrasting Boss’s emphasis on immediately playing at the start of rehearsal. Brown believes Grace will fill the role effectively. 

“I definitely think Hunter will be a good aspect to the drumline program, and I definitely think he’s going to help grow it a lot,” Brown said.

Role assignments reflect this flexibility, with returning members like Brown sticking to their instruments while newcomers choose based on interest. 

“It’s up to you as the individual. So, because I was a returner and last year, I was a bass drummer, I just picked up the bass drum again,” Brown said. 

Grace uses experienced members as examples to mentor beginners, creating a collaborative environment where everyone works together or it doesn’t work at all. Still, challenges persist, particularly with student commitment and equipment. Grace notes the difficulty in balancing schedules at a busy campus. 

“One of the biggest key challenges is just the level of commitment from students. Almost everyone at GVU has something else going on,” Grace said. 

Budget constraints limit equipment, though Brown feels it is adequate for the current size, 

“Personally, I really do think we have enough only because of how small our drumline is,” Brown said.  

Brown suggests fundraising and external donations to expand as the program rebuilds after some graduations. 

Grace prepares for mishaps, like broken drums or rain, by bringing spares and using protective measures to maintain the game-day atmosphere. Looking ahead, both see expansion on the horizon as drumline continues its ambitious ventures. Grace plans new music, cadence and events like tailgating to boost visibility. 

“You can expect us to pull out a lot of new music. We’ve already gotten four things down. We have another two cadences off the pipeline,” Grace said.

Recruitment remains open to anyone with interest, with potential for pre-season camps. Brown highlights new jerseys for a professional look and urges recruitment for future drumline participants, 

“I think us, as students a part of the drumline, definitely need to be recruiting and getting our friends and others to either come watch us at the football games or even just come to a rehearsal,” Brown said.

As seniors like Brown prepare to pass the torch, eagerly recruiting freshmen, the drumline stands as a testament to growth through commitment. With Grace at the helm, GVU’s newest musical force is set to amplify its performances in the months or even years ahead.