Taylor University needed more than just cheers; it needed rhythm. The Taylor drumline now delivers that, elevating everything from football games to Silent Night.
The Taylor drumline is a small percussion ensemble that includes snare, bass and tenor drums. The drumline came about thanks to a donor who believed the university needed one, it has existed for three years now.
The early days were challenging, however. The program got off to a slow start due to a backlog in drum equipment. For a long time, the drumline rehearsed on the floor and on practice pads until the necessary instruments finally arrived.
The drumline has played in many different events. They mostly play during football games, but they also play as part of Welcome Weekend and the Upland Labor Day Parade.
David Robbins was the former instructor of the drumline. He was instrumental in the first two years of starting up the drumline. He helped to initiate the program and found events for the drumline to participate in.
Ben Blackketter is in his first year as adjunct percussion director at Taylor. He is in his fourth year leading the drumline for the Indiana State University Marching Band and also teaches percussion at Cathedral High School in Indianapolis. He also performs for many local ensembles around the Indianapolis area.
Blackketter has helped give the drumline new material and exercises to play. He helps the students learn and improve their technique and timing. He believes the drumline allows students to continue their passion for playing music while having fun.
“That's just the main goal of the drumline is to entertain,” Blackketter said. “Everyone has fun, and they can grow their skills and learn new things.”
Junior Ezra Bonnett has been a part of the drumline since its inception.
Bonnett enjoyed playing the drums all throughout middle and high school. He had accepted that he wouldn’t be able to play drums in college because Taylor did not have a drumline, but then, they added it the spring before he came to Taylor.
Bonnett calls it a huge blessing to continue using his talents in college and his community.
“I really enjoy getting to keep doing it at college, and it's given me another community to be part of,” Bonnett said. “When you practice for two hours together, you get to know people a little bit better.”
Junior Owen Gluck joined the drumline last year. Like Bonnett, he played in high school and enjoys playing drums with other people.
Gluck joined the drumline because he likes to bring joy to others through performing. He believes the drumline is in a position to bring some much-needed energy to Taylor events.
“I think Taylor needs that (energy) at their sporting events,” Gluck said. “Taylor needs something to make the crowd hype. And I think that the drumline helps to accomplish that.”
Bonnet says that one of the most memorable moments of the drumline is the first time they played at Silent Night in 2023. He remembered the energy the drumline brought to the event.
“That was our first showcase of the drumline, and we only had two songs prepared,” Bonnett said. “After we finished, people were cheering for an encore… that excitement of the crowd was really exciting.”
There are currently 13 members on the Taylor drumline, but they welcome more members. The drumline is open to anyone, regardless of major or experience. If interested in joining, students can email Ben Blackketter at ben_blackketter@taylor.edu.
