Bakersfield College has a new performance drumline.
Liberty High School band instructor Mark McGuire has started a drumline that he hopes to be successful, and he also leads the new band program at Bakersfield College.
The drumline consists of 20 members originally from various local high schools. The members were actually handpicked by McGuire and the percussion director, Dave Ellis.
McGuire started the line because “It’s a viable option for high school kids to continue to play when they get out of high school.”
McGuire explained that the program is a great way for many high school graduates to continue their musical interests while in college.
Ellis was very excited to start the program. “We have been trying to do it for about 10 years. We got the line together in about two weeks.”
Ellis has been teaching high school percussion for 14 years and plans on having a competitive drumline next year.
“This year, we’re going to focus on a more entertainment style of drumming,” he said.
The line plans to play at select BC athletic games as well as other local Bakersfield teams, which include the Bakersfield Jam basketball team and the Bakersfield Condors hockey team.
This year will mainly be a “groove” style, which is meant to entertain and get people on their feet. Ellis explained that next year he would like to have a competitive drumline, but it all depends on the finances.
“Right now we borrow all of our equipment from Liberty High School and Bakersfield High School,” he said.
It would cost about $75,000 to $100,000 just to buy equipment, not including staff support and travel expenses.
“There are other colleges and universities that put 30 or 40 thousands into one show,” Ellis said. “We need those kinds of finances just to get basic equipment.”
Ellis hopes to get funding for the new music program. “The talent in this town is amazing,” he said.
Ellis said if Bakersfield College does compete next year, it would not only compete against other community colleges but also against universities.
Section leader Chris Boucher, a West High School graduate and BC freshman, said that things on the line are “going pretty cool” and that “it’s exciting to play for the Jam team.” Boucher, who has been playing since junior high, plays center snare and was recognized as one of the best drummers from local high schools.
Tiffany Miller, a BHS graduate, was also recognized as an outstanding player. Miller, a sophomore at BC, and the only female on the team, is “used to being the only girl. I’ve known a lot of these guys since high school.”
Miller also enjoys playing on the drumline and hopes the line will continue. The drumline is just one of the new highlights BC has added.
The Department of Performing Arts has also added a wind ensemble, which is a band class that performs. BC students can now enroll in the wind ensemble.