With auditions out of the way, the winter drumline, also known as Groove, is preparing for their semester ahead.

Grand Rhythmic Orchestra and Outstanding Visual Ensemble (Groove) has been a student organization since the mid ‘90s and features a mix of fall drumline and new members. The group consists of 28 members who auditioned earlier this semester and includes five bass drums, nine snares, five tenors and nine cymbals. Groove also has 10 non-audition pit musicians. In addition to being funded by the Government of the Student Body, the members also must pay dues for the instruments.

Groove plays a variety of events in the community. Besides their final live show in Music Hall, Groove also performs for Dance Marathon, Relay for Life, Men’s and Women’s Basketball games and the annual Veishea parade.

“Being in Groove means you love what percussion you play,” said Michael Flannery, the treasurer for Groove. “The amount of music we play is manageable, but physically hard to play.”

All music — minus cadences — is written by the students of Groove. According to Flannery, this provides a unique opportunity for students.

“It gives students the chance to have their music played when they normally wouldn’t have the chance,” Flannery said.

Every Monday, the ensemble members meet for a three-hour practice to work on their music together. In addition, each section of the group meets individually for an additional two-hour practice each week. 

Jameson Klavins, president of Groove, enjoys being a part of the ensemble because he gets to be around people with the same passion.

“It’s just getting to know people over the semester and having fun playing together,” Klavins said.

The audition process starts with two, one-hour clinics. Participants play on whatever instrument they wish to, but can also switch if they desire. Sections break off and determine who makes the cut depending on “if people can be teachable,” as Flannery explained. Klavins also looks for certain qualities in the auditionees.

“It’s about the technique they play and familiarity with the music and cadences,” Klavins said.

Past members of the ensemble must re-audition for a spot. For those who do not make it, the Groove  front ensemble, or pit, is a non-audition group that is open to them.

To learn more about more about Groove, go to their page on the Department of Music website.