Drumline Live 2017 had a preshow that was topnotch

Raines High School and First Coast High School rank number one as the Jacksonville Florida WINNERS of the Drumline Live student competition.  For those who arrived early for Drumline Live, there was a very special treat as each patron waited to go into the Moran Theatre.  From the lobby, you could hear the melodic sounds of horns, cymbals and the thunder of drums that came from the students’ instruments.

The preshow was entertainment all by itself!  There are so many talented youths here in JAX, and a few of them came out to prove it on March 28, 2017.  As a reward for doing what they like, the students (and chaperones) from both schools were rewarded tickets in the orchestra section of the Theater. 

Below are a few questions that Mr. Washington (Band Director from Raines High School) was so gracious to answer on a busy school day.  As you will see from the video, Raines was a well-deserved recipient of a night out-on-the-town.

Q: Who actually won the “2017 Drumline of the Year: Jacksonville”?  You or First Coast High School?

A: There wasn't a winner, it was just an exhibition to represent Duval High School drumlines.

Q: Were the students able to meet with the Drumline Live Cast Members, and what type of questions did they have?

A: The students were able to meet with the cast members to discuss various percussion techniques and methods of playing as well as talk about the cast members experiences as a performer.

Q: How did the students enjoy their free tickets to the show?  The students enjoyed themselves very much and were thrilled with the opportunity to play for the community.

A: What does (S.O.E.) stand for in the description of your Marching Band? Sound of Experience

Q: Could I get the YouTube video link for the audition tape?

A: You Tube audition footage.

(First Coast High School was unavailable for comments)

Drumline Live kicked off its third US tour with a return engagement to the Times-Union Center.  Jacksonville Florida was privileged to have this versatile group of musicians and dancers back in January of 2011.  This time the troop gave visual reels of Michael Jackson, Prince and much more.  The group gave a stellar performance outside the Times Union Center, across from the Omni Hotel, at the end of their show.  Hear what the neighbors heard right HERE!

Drumline Live brought athletics and high energy to the stage with a mixture of sounds ranging from contemporary, Big-Band, hip-hop, blues, swing, gospel, the Motown sound and traditional brass.  Qualified professional musicians played Brass Instruments (Euphoniums, French Horns, Basses, Trombones, Trumpets and Saxophones) and Percussions while dancers graced the stage with beauty and elegance.  If they come to town again, you better get your tickets.  There’s always something new with this HBCU experience.

'DRUMLine Live' comes back to JAX with a spectacular preshow

Had you heard about the competition that sought a phenomenal preshow for DRUMLine Live?   Well, you will be amazed at this upcoming show and you must be present to see who won the competition.  “DRUMLine Live,” the show‐stopping production created by the musical team behind the hit movies, “Drumline” and “Drumline: A New Beat,” is coming to Jacksonville’s Times-Union Center for only one performance!  With a new and dynamic show, more music and an amplified cast, audiences can get ready for a thrilling show that is sure to entertain the entire family.

DRUMLINE LIVE!!! in JAX

Represented by Christine Barkley, CEO of Creative Booking Agency in New York City, “DRUMLine Live” will allow children and adults to experience the intense musical rollercoaster of a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) halftime show.  “I guarantee people have never seen a show like this before,” said Don P. Roberts, CEO of “DRUMLine Live” and Executive Band Consultant of “Drumline” and “Drumline: A New Beat.”  “The cast of musicians and singers, led by an all--‐star group of percussionists, will perform extraordinary choreography that will have the audience on their feet, and dancing in the aisles, throughout the entire show!”

“DRUMLine Live” has already gained substantial worldwide attention.  U.S. President, Barack Obama’s daughter, Malia, and her secret service attended the 2012 sold out performance in Bethesda, Maryland.  Furthermore, the sensational show has achieved an incredible overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Ticketmaster.com.  Take a look and grab your prime seats before they are gone.

The Star Ledger, Newark, NJ reported: “DRUMLine Live has made its way across the country, showing the thrill, the musical genius and the true flavor of the ever-exciting HBCU halftime show.”  “The energy level – including among pretty much the entire crowd, and starting relatively soon after the show began – never dissipated...” said Adam Taxin of the Philadelphia Jewish Culture Examiner.

“DRUMLine LIVE”
DATE: Friday, March 28, 2017
TIME: 7:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Times Union Center Performing Arts
      Moran Theater
      300 West Water St.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202
TICKETS: start at $31.50, and may be purchased online at FSCJ Artist Series (the official presenter of the Jacksonville show), or by calling (904) 442-BWAY (2929) between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.  Discounts are available for groups of 10+ by calling (904) 442-2947 or emailing groupsales@fscj.edu.

HURRY! Could you WIN the 'DRUMLine' competition?

DRUMline Live is coming to Jacksonville’s Times-Union Center for one performance only and they’re looking for an opener!  Drum Corps International (DCI) and DRUMLine Live have combined forces to support music education all across America through the competition, DRUMLINE BATTLE!!  The drumline that wins the competition will get the opportunity to perform as the opening act for a DRUMLine Live show on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at the Times-Union Center, win tickets to the show and earn the title “Drumline of the Year.”  Does your drumline have what it takes?

How Do You Participate? Simply prepare and video record a 1.5 to 2-minute feature of your marching drumline. Your video cannot surpass 2 minutes or your drumline will be disqualified. Be sure to incorporate your overall drumming skills; add some visuals, stunts, and stick tricks to display your showmanship and you’re good to go! It’s that easy and it’s a lot of fun! You can use material from your winter line, fall show, or something produced just for this competition.

To Enter: Upload your 1.5 to 2-minute video to www.facebook.com/FSCJArtistSeries and hashtag #fscjartistseries and #drumlinecompetition by March 6 to be entered in the competition. You will have to make your profile public to participate in the contest. Viewers will vote on Facebook by liking their favorite video post. Each person can only vote one time. Be sure to encourage them to share your video with friends to increase your likes. Voting will be open for two weeks for the best performing drumline. The drumline that receives the most likes will be declared the winner!

Timeline:

  Video entries must be uploaded by March 6 on facebook.com/fscjartistseries and hashtag #fscjartistseries and #drumlinecompetition

  Online voting for all drumlines will begin March 7 – March 16, 2017.

  Winner will be notified by March 20, 2017 through Facebook.  Be sure your account is public so we can contact you if you are the winner! The decision of the Judges is final.

  Prize:  The drumline that receives the most votes will perform a 10-15-minute show as the opening act for the DRUMLine Live show at the Times-Union Center in Jacksonville, on Tuesday, March 28. 

  The more support from friends, family, teachers, fellow students and faculty – the more likely your Drumline will win!

Grand Prize: A Performance At A Drumline Live Show: The winning drumline will earn the official title of “2017 Drumline of the Year: Jacksonville” and secure 50 tickets to the DRUMLine Live performance. In addition, the winning drumline will be a part of the show at the Times-Union Center in front of hundreds of attendees and have the once-in-a-lifetime experience to learn from the cast of DRUMLine Live during an exclusive pre-show sound check and Q/A experience.

Stay tuned for more about this fantastic show - DRUMLine Live!