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The powerful sound of drums multiplied by 16 equals “The Force," Mamaroneck's popular drumline and one of the nation’s longest running, top-caliber high school drum corps.
The Force will celebrate its 30th anniversary at 7 p.m., in the high school's McLain Auditorium, 1000 W. Boston Post. They'll be joined by other top-notch musicians including the Harrison-based Westchester Brassmen, also founded in 1984.
The Force will be joined on stage by some of its original members from the 1980s, along with the Marching Cobras of New York and Port Chester High School’s prestigious drumline -- also boasting a 30-plus year history. The MHS award-winning advanced jazz band will join the mix, along with a string quartet.
“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, MHS band director for the past 17 years. “It should be a wonderful evening of music and celebration.”
Each year, about 12 to 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.
The Force is known for its precision and a high level of complexity. One of the pieces the drum ensemble will tackle during Friday's 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," Hooker said. "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."
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