Impulse Performs During NBA Playoffs

By Eddie Carden

On May 21, 2008, members of the Impulse Drum and Bugle Corps appeared at Game 1 of the NBA Western Conference Finals at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Fifteen percussionists performed a show in the style of a winter drum line during halftime. Percussion caption head and arranger Niko Jasniewicz wrote and choreographed the show, tweaking the traditional indoor approach to make sure the performers played to the whole crowd and faced in all directions.

“This is probably one of the most exciting things they’ve ever done,” says Jasniewicz of the performers. “All the kids had huge smiles on their faces. They were just on cloud nine.”

The Lakers also feature a small pep band that plays pre-game, post-game and during breaks at all of the team’s home games. Jasniewicz says that the team has considered using members of Impulse to create an official Lakers drum line but added that there is no inclination yet if they’ll be given the opportunity. He stressed how proud the organization was to have the chance to perform.

Impulse’s show for the summer drum corps season is called “The Game,” a playful performance in which the organization reminisces about childhood games. For more information about Impulse, visit www.impulseyoutharts.org.

Photo courtesy of Impulse Drum and Bugle Corps. All rights reserved.

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