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Muskegon Heights drumline brings the beat at Lumberjacks games

The arena in downtown Muskegon has become like a second home to the Tigers.

Financial problems in the Muskegon Heights school district led to the elimination of the school's drumline. But thanks to grants and donations from community groups students got their beat back in 2018. And this year they’re taking the beat out into their community in new ways.

"I get so many requests for performances all over the state," said Darrin McCall, Muskegon Heights Drumline Director.

Last summer the drumline performed at the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival parade for the first time in several years. The group is scheduling other parades for this summer. And the drumline is performing at the L.C. Walker Arena for most of the Muskegon Lumberjacks’ home games.

"We have a great partnership with the Muskegon Heights drumline," said Mike McCall, Muskegon Lumberjacks President Business Operations.

The arena in downtown Muskegon has become like a second home to the Tigers. Filling the arena with sounds you’d normally hear at another sporting event.

"We had someone say, 'Ya know this is not a football game right,'” said Darrin McCall. “I said, 'We’re trying something new here.'"

The drumline will perform next at Saturday night’s game which is Star Wars night at the arena. The game is often one of the biggest nights of the year for the team. Following the game, the team’s special Star Wars jerseys will be auctioned off.

"Players will autograph them,” said Mike McCall. “Proceeds from that auction will go to help subsidize some new equipment for Muskegon Heights drumline."

Equipment Darrin McCall says needs repair and replacing so the beat in Muskegon Heights can be shared.

The jersey auction will take place immediately follow Saturday night’s game.

On Sunday at 3:15 p.m. the Lumberjacks host the Central Illinois Flying Aces. It’s 13 ON YOUR SIDE day at the L.C. Walker arena.

You can enter to be a contestant for the $100,000 Shootout, and enter your child for a chance to win a zamboni ride during the first intermission. 

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