January 18, 2024
As a courtesy to the artists and for the uninterrupted enjoyment of your fellow patrons, please turn off all electronic devices. No portion of this performance may be photographed, recorded, filmed, taped, broadcast or mechanically reproduced without the written consent of the Artist and/or the Presenter. Mayo Performing Arts Center is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Program subject to change.
DRUMLine Live
Program Notes AFRICA “The Drum” The opening scene pays homage to the Motherland. From the horn lines to halftime, from jazz to hip-hop, from America to Asia, there would be no “Drumline” and no HBCU Marching Band without Africa.
SNAP YOUR FINGERS The pageantry of HBCU marching bands has been influenced by the sounds of jazz, ragtime and big band music. Snap your fingers as you watch our old school marching band perform classics popularized by musicians of the early 20th century.
SHOUT IT OUT (Pep-Rally) Our drum majors will give you a little razzle and dazzle just to get things started. Be prepared for a big “shock” as the band gives a high-energy rendition of “Shout It Out” from the hit movie Drumline, during our pregame Pep Rally.
EXPRESS YOURSELF At HBCUs the best musical moments sometimes occur on the football field before or after band practice. Watch our virtuoso drummers, dancers, and musicians express themselves through music and dance.
AMERICAN SOUL Our DRUMLine Live vocalists will perform legendary tunes from classic American Soul artists of the 1960’s, 70’s, and 80’s, featuring the sounds of Tina Turner, the Supremes, the Temptations, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and James Brown. THE KING (The Best of Michael Jackson) Michael Jackson brought his amazing talents to the football field through his performance at Super Bowl XXVII and halftimes have never been the same. Be prepared to “Beat It” with DRUMLine Live as we give you a “Thriller” highlight reel from the King of Pop. “DRUMLine” BLING These drummers are hip and magical. Check out their flashy stick work as they perform drumline cadences to the top tunes of today’s hip-hop music. INTERMISSION
IT’S HALFTIME!! (Salute to Prince Rogers Nelson) Ladies and Gentlemen, you are about to witness the sensational, the astounding, the breathtaking, and “The Greatest Show On Stage!” Nothing can prepare you for what you are about to see. Enjoy “HALFTIME” with a special salute to PRINCE!!! THE BATTLE The drum battle begins with each extraordinary percussionist demonstrating spectacular style and technique. However, there can only be one champion. We’ll let the audience decide! FUNKY FOOT WORK (From Funk to Hip-Hop) The DRUMLine Live band will climax the “Halftime” dance routine with dazzling choreography and musical selections that highlight the best of the ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000’s Hip-Hop music. COME JOIN THE PARADE (Post Game Party) As the football game ends, the Post Game Party begins. Most HBCU homecoming parades and post game parties resemble the huge street celebration in New Orleans, Louisiana called Mardi Gras. It’s time for everybody to join the parade and party in the aisles with the DRUMLine Live Band, HBCU style! Meet us in the Lobby!!
January 18, 2024
Don P. Roberts Director, Playwright, Musical Director
Mr. Don P. Roberts, M.M.ED. served as the Executive Band Consultant for the Twentieth Century Fox hit movie, Drumline. He was responsible for training the actors, writing the precision drills, rehearsing the band, etc. As the chief band consultant, he played a vital role in the making of Drumline and its success. The movie received national and international acclaim. In 2003, it was nominated by the NAACP as “Most Outstanding Motion Picture” and also nominated for an “American Choreography Award” for outstanding achievement in a feature film. Mr. Roberts also serves as the Director, Playwright, and Musical Director of the critically acclaimed Theatrical Production, “DRUMLine Live,” which toured all across the U.S., Japan, and Korea from 2008-2013. The DRUMLine Live tour was managed by Columbia Artist Management Incorporated (CAMI). DRUMLine Live is now working in collaboration with the Creative Booking Agency (CBA) in preparation for the upcoming 2017 Tour. Most recently, Mr. Roberts was appointed as the Executive Band Consultant to the VH-1 and Fox Television Studios movie, Drumline: A New Beat, which is the long awaited sequel to Drumline. The movie premiered on VH-1 in October 2014, and was nominated for Best Music Supervision for Television: Long Form and Movies, by the Guild of Music Supervisors. He was also the Associate Producer and Executive Band Consultant for the ESPNU Television series, The Battle, which featured some of America’s best Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Marching Bands. The five series weekly
show debuted in the fall of 2010. Mr. Roberts also serves as the President and Musical Director of the company, Halftime Live, which has provided the official drum line for the Atlanta Hawks from 2007-Present. The company has also provided the official band of the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream in 2014 and the Atlanta Falcons in 2007. The Halftime Live Marching Band was featured on worldwide television as they performed with Grammy award winning artist, NeYo, as a part of the 2008 National Hockey League All-Star Game halftime show. In 2009, Mr. Roberts served as the Musical Director and Executive Band Consultant for the “Black College Football Xperience” video game by Neriyzed Game Studios (bcfxgame.com). Mr. Roberts also choreographed the drills and routines for the popular Nature’s Own Whitewheat Bread commercial, which featured marching bands and debuted during the 2005 Super Bowl. In 2005, Mr. Roberts also worked as the Executive Band Consultant on the Missy Elliot hit song, “Bad Man”, from her album, The Cookbook. Don P. Roberts received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, Florida. While at FAMU, he served as drum major, student conductor, and student arranger in what is considered to be one of the finest band programs in America. He received a Masterʼs Degree in Music Education from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama. Presently, Mr. Roberts is pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Administration from Argosy University in Sarasota, Florida.
DRUMLine Live
As an educator, Mr. Roberts has served as the Music Coordinator of the DeKalb County School District since 1996. He served as the Chairman of the Music Department and Director of Bands at Southwest DeKalb High School in Decatur, Georgia from 1990 through 1996. He was appointed to a dual role from 1998-2004 as DeKalb County Music Coordinator and Southwest DeKalb High School Co-Director of Bands. With the assistance of six chairmen (3 band and 3 orchestra), Mr. Roberts supervises approximately 150 music directors, 19 high schools, 19 middle schools, and 88 elementary schools. There are more than 15,000 students participating in band, chorus, and orchestra in DeKalb schools. Under the guidance of Mr. Roberts, the DeKalb County School District has one of the largest, most active and innovative music programs in the state of Georgia. The DeKalb School District was recognized as one of the “Top 100 Communities in Music Education in America” in 2005, 2008, and 2012. Mr. Robertsʼ bands (Southwest DeKalb High School and McNair Middle School) received superior ratings for fifteen consecutive years from the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA). The Southwest DeKalb High School band was the first African American high school band to ever perform for the Georgia Music Educators Association Convention in state history (1996). Under Mr. Robertsʼ tutelage the band was invited to perform in the 1997 Macyʼs Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. The band also recorded the compact discs, We Rock the House, in 1996 and Band of the 90’s in 2000. One of Mr. Roberts’ greatest accomplishments as a music educator was the Southwest
DeKalb Panthers being the only band in America selected to perform in the Opening Ceremonies of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games where he worked with world-renowned “Super Producers” Kenny Ortega (High School Musical and This Is It) and Don Mischner (Prince Super Bowl Halftime 2007). He has also worked with Hollywood Directors, Charles Stone (Drumline) and Billie Woodruff (Drumline: A New Beat). Additionally, he served as Assistant Band Director of the Atlanta Olympic Band, which performed in the Closing Ceremonies of the 1996 Olympic Games. His 300 member Panther Marching Band was also the hero band in the movie, Drumline. They have performed all across the United States. In 2008, Mr. Roberts was recognized by the Dallas Austin Foundation as its 2008 “Maestro of the Year in Music Education”. He was also recognized as a 2008 Black History Living Legend by Atherton Elementary School in DeKalb County. Mr. Roberts has served as a clinician, adjudicator, and arranger for many different organizations throughout the Southeast. He was Multicultural Chairman for the Georgia Music Educators Association for four years (1998–2001). In addition to his membership in GMEA and Phi Beta Mu International Bandmaster’s Fraternity, Mr. Roberts is a member of the 100 Black Men of America, Kappa Kappa Psi Band Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and Music Educators National Conference. He is Co-Founder of Precision Incorporated (Summer Band Camp), Chief Consultant for the Metro Atlanta Battle of the Bands, and former Executive Producer of DeKalb Schools Television Show, Music in Motion.
January 18, 2024
JANUARY
Outstanding Percussionists Carly Albanese Grade 12, Chatham High School; Chatham Nominated by Brian Conti Carly is an outstanding person as well as a percussionist. She is involved in every aspect of our music department: Marching Band drumline captain, Wind Ensemble, Pit Orchestra, Chatham Community Band, Caldwell College Honors Band, as well as multiple ensembles. Carly is an amazing mallet percussion player and also covers any and all other instruments associated with being a percussionist. Her dedication has been unmatched the past four years and she will be sorely missed. Ari Charm Grade 7, Randolph Middle School; Randolph; Nominated by Anthony Eskin Ari is an exceptional seventh grade percussionist. He serves as a role model to his peers through his dedication, attitude, and leadership. At Randolph Middle School, Ari is active in Percussion Ensemble and the band program. During rehearsals, Ari goes above and beyond to help his peers, showing his maturity and character. Outside of school, he enjoys playing piano, juggling, and acting in community theatre, where he has enjoyed several leading roles. With a rigorous schedule of schoolwork, practicing, and rehearsals during the week, Ari serves as an example to his peers. Luca Anello-Fiorina Grade 9, Kinnelon High School; Kinnelon; Nominated by Ryan Stroud Luca is a consumer of all things percussion-related. If it involves hitting a piece of percussion equipment, heʼs going to be involved. Heʼs a member of our Wind Ensemble, Pep Band, Pit Orchestra, Jazz Band and any other ensemble that he can get his hands on. In addition to these ensembles, Luca has successfully auditioned for North Jerseyʼs Intermediate Region Band and the North Jersey Area Band. Heʼs a valuable member of our school ensembles, and we're proud of his accomplishments so early in his High School Career. Rohan Largman Grade 7, Mountain View Middle School; Mendham; Nominated by Leigh Carpenter Rohan exemplifies the qualities one imagines in the ideal student and really an ideal person. He is disciplined, passionate about music, and a peer leader. These qualities have helped him to become advanced musically, technically and relationally at his young age. Rohan takes ownership of his learning. Heʼs inquisitive and continually works to better himself, asking for clarification and help. Rohan is ever inspired by the music he plays both as part of our band and in solo and small ensemble settings. He can be counted on to be on task and to encourage his classmates to do the same. He has taken less experienced percussionists under his wing and peer mentored them with patience and kindness. He also works well in a group taking turns on parts and preferred instruments. Sean Lee Grade 8, Ridgedale Middle School; Florham Park; Nominated by Mike Leone Sean has shown tremendous growth since he became a member of our ensemble in The 2023-2024 Music Student of the Month program is supported by The Walter F. and Alice Gorham Foundation, Inc.
Outstanding Percussionists the 6th grade. He has always had a keen sense of musicianship and curiosity for music. That same curiosity and drive has led him to become a stellar percussionist, as well as a leader in our program. He is auditioning for Region Band next year, and I have high hopes that he will succeed in any musical endeavor that he pursues. Matthew Lombardi Grade 12, Dover High School; Dover; Nominated by Dan Vasquez Matty is an excellent student and dedicated percussionist. He has started writing his own percussion cadences and organized extra practices for the drummers to learn them. The Drumline this year created a new piece of music just to play for the pep rally. The section works harder than anyone else in the band and Matty is such a huge part of that. He inspires others around him to do better and I think he deserves to be acknowledged for his dedication and commitment. Aidan Orbeta Grade 12, Morristown High School; Morristown; Nominated by David Gallagher Aidan is an all-around remarkable musician playing a variety of instruments at a high level. He truly shines any time that he plays drums. Whether he is playing with the wind ensemble, jazz band, pit orchestra, or marching band, Aidanʼs musicality rivals that of professional musicians. In marching band Aidan is one of the drumline captains and it is truly like having another staff member. He works tirelessly with his peers, helping them to be the best versions of themselves and hone in on their individual technique. Aidan also wrote all of the music for the drumline this year. It is hard to believe sometimes that he is only a junior and his musical talents, as well as his leadership and dedication, will only continue to flourish in the coming years. Stephen Padilla Grade 12, Roxbury High School; Roxbury; Nominated by Jeffrey Conrad Stephen is an active member of our band program. He has been a section leader in marching band for the past two years as well as playing center marimba in our front ensemble. He is currently the President of Roxbury High Schoolʼs new Tri-M chapter and is also heavily involved in our vocal programs as well. As a percussionist, Stephen has grown tremendously and is now planning on pursuing instrumental music education as a career. He has and is currently working hard in all areas of percussion to grow his skill set and learn how to be a musical and fully-realized percussionist. Abhay Prajapati Grade 8, Brooklawn Middle School; Parsippany; Nominated by Joseph Stella Abhay is a very talented musician in our 8th grade band. Before this year, he played the flute; and he decided to learn a new instrument this year by joining the percussion section. He has adjusted spectacularly in his new section of the band. He is learning each of the percussion instruments with ease and blending into the group as if he has been in the percussion section for years. He is also always very responsible and polite. Abhayʼs musicianship and demeanor make him an excellent choice for this month's MSOM. Deric Yoon Grade 11, Parsippany High School; Parsippany; Nominated by Gregory Dalakian Deric Yoon has been a dedicated member of our music program since the moment he entered Parsippany HS as a 9th grader. He is a talented percussionist who shows enthusiasm and talent in all aspects of the program, through his participation in Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Pit Orchestra, and Marching Band. Deric has served as student leader in the Marching Band with and without a title for the past two years and has been an excellent role model for his peers. He is someone we can always rely on and always represents PHS with Pride, Honor, and Spirit.