VIC FIRTH SPOTLIGHT:
MOREHEAD STATE UNIVERSITY DRUMLINE

The Morehead State University Marching Percussion Ensemble is recognized as one of the preeminent collegiate marching percussion ensembles in the United States. Having performed numerous times at events across the nation, the ensemble earned its reputation of excellence through innovation in design, and high standards of musicianship and performance quality. The MSU Marching Percussion Ensemble has captured the College Division championship four of the five times they have competed at PASIC, most recently in 2003 when they also received the Fred Sanford Award for Outstanding Achievement in Marching Percussion. The ensemble is under the direction of Mr. Brian S. Mason.
Check out Vic Firth's exclusive Morehead State University Drumline videos! VIDEO #1: 2008 Opener (“Celebration”) HIGH BANDWIDTH MEDIUM BANDWIDTH VIDEO #2: Drum Solo, YMCA HIGH BANDWIDTH MEDIUM BANDWIDTH

	The Morehead State University Marching Band staff includes: • Dr. Susan Creasap, Director of MSU Marching Band • Prof. Brian S. Mason, Director of MSU Marching Percussion • Kristi Dehart, MSU Bands Secretary

Brian S. Mason is a highly respected innovator of the contemporary marching percussion ensemble. In high demand as a clinician, designer, and adjudicator, he has traveled extensively throughout the United States, Japan, Canada, Korea, and Mexico. Brian gained worldwide recognition for his percussion writing and teaching with the Cavaliers and the Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps, claiming numerous awards and honors with both organizations during his tenure, and is currently a member of the design team with the Santa Clara Vanguard.

Currently, Brian is a member of the percussion faculty at Morehead State University in Morehead, KY, and is the director of the award-winning Marching Percussion Ensemble. At MSU, Mr. Mason is a member of the Faculty Jazz Ensemble, the Faculty Chamber Ensemble, and performs regularly with the Faculty Brass Quintet. Off-campus, he is a member of the Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra, and appears as a guest artist with many high school percussion ensembles across the country, in addition to performing with Dr. Steven Snyder in their jazz vibraphone/piano duo.

Brian received his M.M. at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and is pursuing his D.M.A. at the University of Kentucky, where he received his B.M. He is a member of the Vic Firth Education Committee, the Percussive Arts Society Health and Wellness Committee, and the Percussive Arts Society Marching Percussion Committee. He has published articles in Percussive Notes, has been interviewed in Modern Drummer and Band and Orchestra Magazine, and was a contributing editor for Stick It magazine. Brian co-authored the 2000 Modern Drummer Readers Poll's "No. 1 Drum Set Method Book," The Commandments of R&B Drumming (Warner Brothers), and his original works are published through Row-Loff Productions and Tap Space Publications. Brian proudly endorses Vic Firth sticks and mallets, makers of his signature line of mallets and drumsticks, as well as Zildjian cymbals, Evans drumheads, and Pearl Drums and Adams Musical Instruments.

Morehead State University Drumline uses
Vic Firth Sticks and Mallets Exclusively.

HERE'S A SELECTION OF MSU'S PRODUCT CHOICES:

		Ralph Hardimon (SRH) With a unique barrel tip and long taper for quick rebound and added control. MSU uses the wood tip in the snare line and nylon tip in the cymbal line. L = 17" | Dia. = .710"
		Tom Aungst Tenor Hybrid (STATH) The Tom Aungst Tenor Hybrid blends the feel of a traditional tenor mallet with the sound of a snare stick. A “step-down” grip design, pronounced taper and perfect tip shape and size assists the player in getting around the drums easily while producing a great sound. Great for both indoor and outdoor applications. Nylon head. L = 15 3/4 ", Dia. = .700" at butt, .650" at shaft
		Corpsmaster® Marching Bass Mallets Field tested and field proven, the superior designs of the Corpsmaster® line have been developed throughout years of collaboration with the world's finest drum and bugle corps. The marching bass mallets feature tapered hickory shafts, which shift the weight of the stick towards the hand for improved balance and control. Spherical heads provide a consistent striking surface. L = 14 1/8"
		Corpsmaster® Brian Mason Signature Mallets These mallets were designed to both maximize the resonant output of the keyboard and to offer an attractive, performance-enhancing mallet that provides a more "weighted" stroke. The marimba mallets feature large birch shafts which increase the mass of the entire mallet. This promotes a darker and richer sound and provides great balance with the large heads. The vibe mallets feature rattan shafts. Premium wool/acrylic blended yarn or acrylic cord produce warm sounds and provide durability.