Mike Stevens
1) Tell us about where you are currently instructing, and anything else
that you do or are involved in that may be of particular interest to our
readers.
I am currently the Percussion Caption Head at the Blue Knights Drum and
Bugle
Corps from Denver, Colorado. I also go to school and teach at the
University
of Southwestern Louisiana. I taught the Cadets Quad line from 92-95 after
I
aged out.
2) What drum corps/marching bands were you a part of, and what years did
you march?
I started out in the Spartans Drum and Bugle Corps, from Vancouver, Wa.,
where
I marched 1986-87-88, then went on to the Concord Blue Devils 1989-90, and
aged out in the Cadets of Bergen County 1991.
3) What did you play?
While at the Spartans, I started on Bass, moved to Quads, and snare my
last
year there (although I loved Quads...they had this philosophy of putting
the
best players in whatever section they wanted to be strongest that year).
At
the Blue Devils, I played Quads (Q5, as it's known), and also at Cadets,
where
I started the infamous "QB."
4) When you were a marching member, how often did you practice in the
off-season? Do you still play/practice, and how often?
In the off season, I practiced countless hours, as did all my buddies.
One of
the coolest things about Drum Corps is the drive and motivation to be the
VERY
BEST at something. I now practice for all my orchestral studies just as
much,
if not more than I did for Drum Corps. Usually 5-6 hours per day,
including
ensembles and private rehearsal time.
5) What do you think is the most key ingredient in the success of a
marching percussion program?
That's a tough question, since there's so much that goes into it - but
after
having been involved in Marching Percussion for 16 years, I think there
really
is two things that go hand in hand. First is the knowledge and experience
which you want to convey to the members of your ensemble, and equally
important is the methodology with which you convey that information. This
is
all pretty general, I know, but it encompasses a lot of the things I've
encountered on the way as far as what gets people motivated about getting
to
that "elite" level, both as an individual and an ensemble. A lot of
places
I've been, and many that I've seen as an observer, have all the key
elements
in place to achieve greatness - but they fall short. I think you have to
consider each player individually, and set up a customized plan for them
to
improve. A lot of the corrections that are made in the line are "quick
fixes", and some ensembles leave the rehearsal with a lot of questions
about
HOW to apply the information. It takes more time and dedication as an
instructor, but the results will be great in the final analysis. Some of
the
biggest strides are made during meal breaks, or just hanging out and
rammin'
some notes in a relaxed environment. Playing things that perhaps you
don't
have the time to as a full line. And I also firmly believe that you can
have
a more relaxed and low-stress rehearsal, and get just as much
accomplished. I
don't believe that players are at their peak performance when they're more
concerned about avoiding errors (or the possible consequences of those
errors!). A much better experience will result if everyone digs what is
going
on, and looks forward to strappin in for a long day! Finally, along with
all
this - EXPOSURE, EXPOSURE, EXPOSURE!!!!! Get your players exposed to as
many
and as difficult rudimental stuff you possibly can, and do it EARLY, so
they
can get their hands cookin. Make it a part of the program - tell them
that if
they can drum the MEAT, that it will go in the show, and stick to it!
6) What ensembles have you instructed, and how did you get hired to
teach them?
I have instructed tons of High Schools, the USL Marching Band and Indoor
Percussion Ensemble, the Cadets of Bergen County, and the Blue Knights.
Each
one I got hired basically through word of mouth, and as my results were
pretty
much favorable with each group (so I've been told), I would meet more
people
and get asked to gig more and more. Although it really started when I
began
learning how to drum some cool stuff.
7) There are many young aspiring percussionists who dream of marching with
a top marching percussion program. What advice would you give them?!
Goes back to EXPOSURE - get your hands on as much material as you can, ask
questions, take lessons from someone who's been there - go audition for
your dream Corps, even if you don't feel you're ready. It will give you
a better idea of what you need to do. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!!!
And please, by all means, do it with a metronome, and save everyone some
time!!!!
8) Who has been your most inspirational corps/band director, and why?
I would have to say George Hopkins, for the simple fact that whether you
like him or not, he gets you thinking about things which you may not have
otherwise. A little (or a LOT) of self-analysis only makes you a better
person in the end. And a more effective teacher.
9) Who has been your most inspirational percussion instructor, and why?
Tom Float, hands down. That man could inspire people and get them to play
like no one else I've ever seen. Most of what I know about rudimental
drumming I learned from him, and I still find stuff that he showed me that
messes with my mind (not to mention my hands!). He treated you with
respect, ran his rehearsal in a laid back but super-productive manner, and
commanded more respect and awe from his students than any one instructor
I've ever had.
Even if they don't realize it, every single person out there drumming in
Drum Corps today has been influenced in some way by Tom.
10) Closing Comments? Use this space to tell readers how they might
contact you, if you wish to disclose that information. Or, feel free to mention
anything else you would like our readers to see.
Don't be intimidated, go try out, get out of your comfort zone! When I
made it into the Blue Devils in 1989, I was just passing through Concord on my
way to try out for the Velvet Knights (bet that would have been a hoot,
too). Stopped in, auditioned, and made the line. One of the best things
I ever did! To quote some old saying, "you never know what you can do
until you try."
I can be contacted by e-mail at:
xscraperr@aol.com
Check out the Blue Knights Drumline Page:
http://www.bknights.org/drumline/index.htm
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Marching Percussion Services
All Rights Reserved.
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