Boom n’ Groove: Ferndale Independent Percussion makes some serious noise
Story by Davis Wesley | Photos courtesy of FIP
As Ferndale Independent Percussion (FIP) stomps into its second season, the world of competitive drumming is taking serious note. In their inaugural 2013 season, FIP won silver medals at MCGC State Championships in the Independent “A” Class, a feat not easily achieved in the world of competitive music. Now in their second year, they have breathed some new life into Ferndale High’s music ensemble and will likely roll their beats to a gold medal at the MCGC State Championships in the near future.
Currently their new competitive winter percussion program aims to educate students from ages 13-20 in the percussive arts. They are eagerly seeking out students whose schools do not already have a winter program, and strive to offer quality instruction at an affordable price. The Ferndale Independent Percussion director, Daniel Chunn, spoke to Ferndale Friends about the semantics of the program, its future, and the students involved with this now award-winning drumline.
Ferndale Friends: How was the FIP formed?
Daniel Chunn: Ferndale Independent Percussion began in November of 2013. I went to Ferndale High School and graduated in 2007. At the time, I had marched two seasons of winter drumline at Ferndale High School, and when that group disbanded I joined Farmington United Percussion Ensemble for two years. After that, I joined the Marine Corps and came back four years later to find that there were no more afford- able options in the area for students from Ferndale to pursue. The three closest groups cost between $700 and $1,200 to march with.
The activity was getting more expensive and, as a result, very few Ferndale stud- ents were able to seek this type of comp- etitive drumming outside of marching band.
I spoke to a few of my friends in the drumming community to see if they would
be interested, and after getting a positive vibe, I started to lay the logistical ground work to put it together. The hardest thing with Ferndale Independent Percussion is that we are an independent organization. We do not get funding from any of the school districts we have students from, and we must raise our own money through fundraisers, membership fees, and donations. We do get a considerable amount of support from Ferndale Public Schools, and Ferndale Schools Fine Arts Boosters, in terms of practice facilities and logistical support.
FF: How has FIP changed the musical landscape at Ferndale High?
DC: Ferndale Public Schools has an amazing music program. Our ensemble is unique because it is open to anyone under the age of 22 and over 13. We current- ly have students from 18 different schools. Some drive from as far as Williamston (just outside of Lansing) and Port Huron, and as close as Hazel Park, Berkley, and Chippewa Valley.
FF: What are future plans for FIP in the world of competitive percussion?
DC: Last year we were met with early success. Our goal was to simply have fun and to provide the same type of atmosphere myself and my staff feel in love with. Winning second place at the State Championship Finals greatly exceeded our expectations, and as a result, we hope to build on that success. We will be competing in WGI (Winter Guard International), which is the national circuit. We will attend the WGI World Championships in Dayton, Ohio in early April, and hope to make the finals our first year out, which is rare, considering the amount of competition.
Q. What separates FIP drummers from other drummers not in the program?
A. Our students rehearse long hours, and are held to a much higher standard than a lot of other groups in “A” class. Personal responsibility is urged on a regular basis. Not only are they pushed to succeed in their personal goals, but reminded that there are 36 other members counting on them as well. They are constantly encouraged to take ownership of their show, because they are the ones performing it, and must be proud of their product.
Check out Ferndale Independent Percussion on Facebook: www.facebook.com/FerndaleIndPerc
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