DRUMLine Live inspire Montana musicians, brings HBCU culture to small towns [Video]

DRUMLine Live was hosted at the Alberta Bair Theater on Thursday for matinee and evening presentations of the traveling company’s namesake performance, inspired by the 2002 film.

“DRUMline Live is a theatrical production, musical attraction, based on the movie, ‘Drumline’, and full circle, based on the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) culture,” said Don Roberts, the director of the theater production who also worked as the executive band consultant for the film.

The musical-dance-theater company hosted a clinic for Billings and Laurel music students from various high school drum lines on Wednesday afternoon.

“Having that encouragement from the parents, the professionals, makes you feel inspired and feel incredible, y’know? It makes you want to do incredible things in your life,” said Joseph Arnold, a drummer with West High’s pep band.

The high school students joined the performers on stage for both show times.

“We’re not different schools, but we’re one big city. We can play as one …