Every Wednesday night in an otherwise-empty basement on the Tufts University campus, a group of students gathers with assorted garbage––buckets, water jugs, trash cans, street signs––to create rhythmic masterpieces. This group is BEATs, Tufts’ oldest and only all-gender street percussion ensemble. I joined in my first semester at Tufts, and by my Sophomore year I had become the BEATs President, a.k.a “Prez”. This was a 1-year position, and one of my first leadership opportunities at Tufts.

My Responsibilities

Coordinating group performances, including time, transportation, availability, and other logistics.
Maintaining our focus and preparation for performances, including our end-of-semester show. Given that we are also a very social club and members have plenty of other committments, this was sometimes a challenge.
Managing auditions at the start of the Fall semester, which included mediating the selection process.
Managing a $2,000+ budget from Tufts alongside our Treasurer and renegotiating the budget for the following year.

BEATs Names

When I'm at practice or a show, I am "The Boatman", a name that was granted to me upon my entry into the group. Each member has their own BEATs name that reflects their percussive persona and innermost being.