Thanks in part to a grant from the MWSU Foundation, the Department of Music purchased two ceremonial drums to lead the faculty members in the spring and fall Commencement ceremonies.
Dr. Joshua Knight, assistant professor of music-percussion, said the rope-tensioned snare drums resemble those used in battles during the Revolutionary War and are still used by military groups today. The drums were painted black and gold specifically for Missouri Western, so they are one-of-a-kind.
“I knew we could increase the pomp and circumstance with unique, historically accurate instruments,” Dr. Knight said. “I want them to become a well-known part of our ceremonies.”