Mason Provolt

In this article, Garrison Gove shares about a talented drum performer and long-time friend, Mason Provolt.

Mason Provolt

By Garrison Gove

Mason performing onstage during the talent show

If you did not attend last month's talent show, you missed out. Not only did you miss Mason Provolt’s epic drum performance, but you also missed out on a historical event: the first-ever mosh pit in Grants Pass High School history.

Mason is a junior at Grants Pass High School, and has been playing the drums since he was a year old. He also performs in the drumline in the school’s marching band. Mason was encouraged to pursue the drums because of his parents, who possessed their own musical talent and wanted to include him. They bought him his first drum set when he was a year old.

At the talent show, Mason was accompanied by Chase Stutzman on the keytar, Bobby Lemons on the bass, Mason Hatfield on the guitar, and Aidan Foreman on vocals. Dressed in orange jumpsuits and a variety of unique headwear, the band quickly drew a jubilant throng in front of the stage, which proceeded to enthusiastically mosh. According to Mason, this band was solely created for the talent show, meaning it is sadly unlikely that we will ever hear them perform again.

However, for those of you who yearn to experience more of Mason’s raw talent, Mason performs in another band called Two Piece Face, along with his father Mo and his father’s friend, Fred Pool. They have performed several times, including in Roseburg and at the Grants Pass restaurant The Haul. The band got its name from his dad’s previous employment at a lumber mill. His dad noticed that each piece of wood had two sides, and each side had a face.

Performing onstage is no easy task. Mason has a strategy for dealing with stage fright: he acknowledges that, no matter how long he will play, he will always feel some level of anxiety. However, since Mason’s first live performance was when he was 12, he has since learned to cope with stage fright. He says, “As long as you only play for the music, you lose yourself and show them what you’re made of.” He also said he has loved playing the drums specifically because they were so diverse.

I have had the privilege of knowing Mason since kindergarten, but I am always blown away by the talent he exhibits when performing, as well as his ability to maintain his composure when performing in front of large crowds. Mason wanted to add: “If I look angry, I’m not - I’m just shy.” Regardless of his facial expressions, I have found Mason extremely easy to get along with and, doubtless, others feel the same way.

Madison Heth, a GPHS junior, who has known him since the second grade said, "He's very funny. He's always been super talented. He'd always drum on his desk in class. I think it's super cool that he's finally able to use it. I think he'll go places for sure." When Mason becomes a famous drummer in the future, I, and countless others who attend GPHS, will have the privilege of saying, “I knew that guy in high school!”

Mason no doubt has an incredible future ahead of him, and will certainly reach unprecedented levels. Many can't wait to see where he goes next. Good luck in the future, Mason!

Sources:

Interview with Mason Provolt
Interview with Madison Heth

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