VIDEO: Mamaroneck High School Drumline 'The Force' Celebrates 30th Anniversary Nov. 14

The following announcement is from the Mamaroneck Union Free School District. Click on the YouTube video below to watch a recent performance by the group:

The powerful sound of the drums multiplied by 16 equals Mamaroneck High School’s drumline, “The Force”, one of the country’s longest running, top-caliber high school drum corps celebrating its 30th anniversary this month. On Friday evening, Nov. 14th, The Force will be joined on stage by some of its original members from the ‘80s, along with professional groups, including the Marching Cobras of NY, the Westchester Brassmen, and Port Chester High School’s prestigious drumline (with a 30+ year history as well).

“We’re excited to welcome back to Mamaroneck some of our original players and to celebrate the history of the Force by hosting top-quality professional groups and neighboring districts to the stage,” said Tim Hooker, who has served as band director at MHS for the past 17 years. “It should be a wonderful evening of music and celebration.”

Each year, about 12-16 students participate in The Force. Most of them have been playing drums for many years, but there are some on occasion that join the drumline with less experience. The group, which has won numerous awards and consistently receives “outstanding” rankings when critiqued, typically plays at community and school-related events throughout the year, including such events as the Dr. Martin Luther King Junior assembly day, the Day of Percussion at SUNY Purchase, competitions throughout the Tri-State area and varied workshops with guest artists. The Force is known for its precision and level of complexity in which it plays. (One of the pieces the drum ensemble will tackle during the concert is an Antiphon, which is rarely performed by a high school group.)

“What’s great about The Force is that it appeals to the masses. Everyone, in all cultures, can relate to the drum. And, at the same time, an all-drum ensemble gives the participating students freedom to be creative with the instrument. It affords them a greater depth of challenge and more extensive experience than what they would find in a traditional school marching band or mixed-instrument ensemble,” Mr. Hooker said.

In addition to the guest artists, the MHS award-winning advanced jazz band will join the mix, along with a string quartet. The Force anniversary concert will take place at 7 pm in McLain Auditorium at Mamaroneck High School, 1000 W. Boston Post Rd, Mamaroneck. No admission Charge. Open to all community members.