An Urban Performance

Sometimes you just don't know what to believe. And on one day in mid-October, Franklin Central Band Director Dan Fyffe wasn't sure if the basis of one particular phone call was believable. "In this business, like almost anything else, people are known to pull pranks," says Fyffe, followed by a good laugh. Turns out that phone call wasn't a prank. On the other end of the line was Mark Arnold, the drum tech for country music star Keith Urban. Arnold was asking Fyffe if there was any interest in the Franklin Central drumline performing with Urban at his Nov. 8 show at Conseco Fieldhouse. "They called me out of the blue," explains Fyffe. "It was quite a surprise, of course, and that call came right before rehearsal so I'm trying to get geared up for that and understand what this person was asking me." After that phone call, Arnold immediately sent Fyffe an e-mail with more details, further confirming that this was no prank. That e-mail had links to YouTube videos featuring other high schools around the country performing with Urban at previous shows on the "Love, Pain and the whole crazy thing" tour. "Of course I was like, 'YouTube, what's that?'" says Fyffe with another laugh. It didn't take long to realize what was going on, as the director was quite impressed with the performance he saw on those videos. But that now-famous phone call didn't really come out of the blue, as Fyffe explained it. Rather, it came from the tremendous reputation that the Franklin Central drumline has built and maintained over the years. The Flashes drumline has been competing on the winter circuit for the Indiana Percussion Association (IPA) since 1997. Since then, they've won eight state titles and six world titles. Needless to say, its reputation preceded it and was also the reason Urban's crew came calling. "They heard about our reputation for excellence and based on that reputation, they felt like we could handle it," says Fyffe. "We just try to maintain composure and be professional about it." Even though the people at FC were obviously elated and excited about the opportunity, this wasn't the first time a high-profile gig has come their way. Previously, members of the band had also performed at a Shania Twain concert. And this past May, FC was chosen to be the band accompanying Peyton Manning at the 500 Festival Parade in downtown Indianapolis. But, as far as the performance with Urban goes, it was as chance for members of this drumline to have an experience they won't soon forget. Senior Megan Speer is a fan of Urban's, having been introduced to his music by her mother, and she couldn't believe the news when first hearing about the opportunity. "I was ecstatic," says Speer. "I could not believe that they chose our school to perform with him. I was just so excited." So how did she contain her butterflies right before walking on stage? "I just think about all we went through, the time and effort, and think about being a performer and putting on a good show," she says. "I feel very honored and it's an experience I'll never forget." Fyffe explained how the music for Urban's show was something they could surely handle, but also said that it wasn't a performance his percussionists are antiquated with. It was about more than the music - more along the lines of the movie "Drumline" where the visuals are just as important as what you hear. "I felt like our students were very well prepared so I didn't have any anxiety," says Fyffe. "My anxiety is more about being a teacher and (father figure), hoping nobody trips and falls. I wanted to make sure they were safe and that they had a great experience." A great experience it surely was. Quite an unbelievable opportunity, if you really think about it.