The excitement of a sporting event featuring a drumline at half-time is undeniable. Soon the Pioneers will enjoy that atmosphere as in partnership, MNU Athletics and the Department of Arts & Humanities recently announced a drumline program will start in fall 2020.
"We are excited to add drumline to the list of sports and activities within MNU Athletics," says Director of Athletics
Todd Garrett. "This initiative will compliment and espouse who MNU is within intercollegiate athletics and our performance arts programming. I am anticipating the energy, spirit and enthusiasm drumline will bring to MNU's game-day atmosphere and campus life."
The new program will be directed by
Ben Gervais, a gifted, experienced percussionist who has directed band at several public schools in Kansas. He is currently band director at Overland Trail Middle School in Overland Park, Kansas. Gervais also taught marching percussion at University of Kansas and University of Missouri. He holds a bachelor's and master's in music education from Northwest Missouri State University. Additionally, he earned the Master of Music in percussion performance and a certificate in higher education administration from the University of Missouri. He a current member of the Percussive Arts Society.
"We are thrilled to welcome Ben to MNU and look forward to ongoing coordination between athletics and our department as a redesigned drumline is developed to support a variety of events," says Donna M. Bohn, DMA, chair, Department of Arts and Humanities. "I'm confident in Ben's expertise to bring new students to campus to participate in drumline and anticipate the ongoing enrichment of our growing instrumental program."
Gervais and the Office of Admissions are recruiting students for the drumline now. Scholarships are available. For more information contact Gervais at bgervais@mnu.edu.
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