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BYU Drumline

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Overview

The BYU Drumline is the dynamic field battery of the BYU Cougar Marching Band, and is one of the premiere drumlines in the country endorsed by Yamaha (view PDF of poster). The drumline plays very diverse and technically demanding material, and learns 3 to 4 different halftime shows and a pregame show each season, as well as lots of stand tunes, cheers, and drum beats.

Being a part of the BYU Drumline is a great experience and lots of fun; there is always a strong feeling of friendship and camaraderie, and we are a major part of the spirit and excitement at football games and other performances.

Instrumentation & Experience

The BYU Drumline generally consists of 8-10 snares, 4-5 tenors, 5 basses, and 6-8 cymbals. (We do not have a "pit" or "front ensemble" with keyboards, timpani, etc.) We always welcome new talent, and competition is often tough, so it is not unusual to have 60 or more applicants vying for around 25 spots. Just as with the Marching Band as a whole, many BYU Drumline members have been section leaders in high school, and some have participated in drum corps.

How do I join the BYU Drumline?

Technique

We are not a drum corp, nor will we attempt to be, but we use proven successful techniques that these organizations utilize for clean, consistent playing. We incorporate some techniques from great drum corps, (including The Cavaliers, the Blue Devils, and Santa Clara Vanguard), outstanding college drumlines, and rudimental drumming and drumline authorities. We operate on the premises of consistent stick heights and "relaxed control" that allow us to play uniformly, fast and clean at various heights, without overplaying or losing control. Given the various backgrounds, experience levels and techniques of individuals from across the country, we developed a BYU Drumline Technique Handbook in 2003 that is distributed exclusively to members of the drumline as a reference for playing together accurately and musically, and these proven techniques are taught from day one.

Instruments

All of our drums are Yamaha Field-Corps series with a custom natural maple finish. Our Snares are SFZ model free-floating snares with standard 14" heads. We use Tenors with 5 drums (6", 8", 10", 12", 13") and attached cowbell. Bass drums range from 18" to 32". We use 16–18" diameter Zildjian Marching Cymbals.

Sticks, Mallets, and Gloves

The BYU Drumline has standardized on the following equipment, which is used by all members:

Snare drummers are issued one pair of Vic Firth Corpsmaster MS-3 marching snare sticks at no cost. Students are strongly encouraged to purchase a pair to practice with before arriving.
Tenor players are issued one pair of Vic Firth Corpsmaster MT1A-S tenor mallets at no cost.
Bass drummers are issued one pair of Vic Firth Corpsmaster MBxH bass mallets at no cost.
Cymbal players are issued one pair of Rawlings BGP350A batting gloves (in a certain color combination) at no cost. Gloves must be clean for performances!

The student will replace any equipment that is lost or ruined. The Instrument Office charges the following for this equipment:

Snare:		$7.00 per pair
Tenors:		$20.25 per pair
Bass:		$21.50 (#1), $23.25 (#2), $27.50 (#3), $30.25 (#4 & #5)
Cymbals:		$10.00 per pair (approximately)

Ear Protection

Playing in a drumline can become dangerously loud. While not mandatory, earplugs are strongly recommended, especially during Drum Camp and Band Camp. For your benefit, we have provided a page about protecting your hearing using earplugs. (These are only general recommendations; the BYU Drumline does not endorse any specific brand of earplugs.)

Suppliers and Sponsors

Drums	Heads	Cymbals	Sticks / Mallets