Band Drum
The Drum Line: The Bad Boys Of Halftime
When I was in high school, I was on the dance team and during football season, we worked with the band for the halftime show. I remember there was a running joke about the drum line, the upshot of which was that if you did not get out of their way, they would run you over, and you would have no one to blame but yourself. In the world of show bands and football halftime entertainment, the members of the drum line are the bad asses, the bad boys, the ones with the attitudes. Heck, drum line performers have such a reputation, there was even a movie made about them. "Drumline," made in 2002, presented a band director who recruited a Harlem street drummer to play at a Southern university-Harlem. Think about it. If you saw a bunch of drum-toting, regimented-looking people coming toward you like a freight train, wouldn't you move?
Drum lines play a crucial role in halftime show performances. They are, after all, the percussion, the beat by which the entire band measures its music. Show bands can be big, sometimes as many as 500 people. In order to control that many musicians, the performers of the drum line have to be strong artists. The drum line can actually be divided into two sections: the battery, which moves around the field, and the pit, which is stationary at the front of the field. Because the battery is the portion that most people associate with the words "drum line," that is portion I will deal with in this article.
Drum lines are generally comprised of three different types of drum: the snare drum, the tenor drum, and the bass drum. The number of each instrument depends simply on the size of the band and the sensibilities of the director. The first instrument, the snare, provides the center rhythm of the rum line. These drums are typically played in unison, possess high tension heads, and form center of tempo for the battery. Next on the list is the tenor drum, which actually comes in mounted sets of four to six. Thanks to their varied sizes and tuning, tenor drums add pitch variety to a drum line. Number three, the bass drum, differs from its smaller cousins in that rather than being played in unison, each instrument is assigned a unique part. These drums produce the deepest sounds in the battery and are the largest on the field.
There is one more instrument usually found in the drum line, and this is they cymbals. Although not a drum, it is perhaps the most dramatic member of the battery. Cymbals are typically pairs of crash cymbals and can be played in a variety of ways, in unison, as split parts, or like hi-hats. In addition to being played, they are sometimes spun and twirled for visual effect.
The next time you watch a halftime show, take a moment to pay attention to how you hear the music. If you find yourself with a sudden urge to bob your head and march in time to the rhythm, you can thank the drum line.
About the Author
Victor Epand is an expert consultant for guitars, drums, keyboards, sheet music, guitar tab, and home theater audio. You can find the best marketplace at these sites for drums, snares, sheet music, guitar tabs, and subwoofers.
Run To The Hills (Rock Band Expert Drums 5 Star)
 |
 New Dryer Drum Belt Band 341241 for Whirlpool Kenmore $2.80 Time Remaining: 26d 9h 51m Buy It Now for only: $2.80 Buy It Now |
 PRO Brand NEW Music Band NATURAL Maple Wood Drum Sticks Drumstick 5A Blue $0.99 Time Remaining: 47m |
 j551 b Band Room Drum Rock n Roll Music Neon Light Sign $9.99 Time Remaining: 1h 39m |
 Official Rock Band Bass Drum Pedal XBOX 360 PS3 PS2 Wii $14.99 Time Remaining: 18d 2h 28m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 Buy It Now |
 Drum Set fr Rock Band video games Wii PS2 PS3 XBOX 360 $99.99 Time Remaining: 1h 24m |
 Rock Band Drum Set Wired Controller Attachment for Xbox 360 Consoles Video Game $75.99 Time Remaining: 17d 2h 40m Buy It Now for only: $75.99 Buy It Now |
 RARE WIRELESS Rock Band 2 Drum set XBOX360 No longer in stores $31.00 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 17h 3m |
 Xbox 360 Rock Band Drum Set Must SEE No Reserve $21.50 (29 Bids) Time Remaining: 9h 7m |
 Roadie U Universal Bass Drum Pedal 4 Rock Band 2 NEW $29.99 Time Remaining: 10d 12h 10m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 Buy It Now |
 Wii Band Hero Rock Guitar Sticks Drums Foot Pedal Mic Complete Set Awesome Game $89.99 Time Remaining: 2d 13h 50m |
 A Pair Maple Wood Wooden Drum Sticks Band Music Musical Instrument Drumsticks 5A $2.38 Time Remaining: 26d 21h 31m Buy It Now for only: $2.38 Buy It Now |
 NEW BAND HERO Guitar Hero COMPLETE KIT PS3 PLAYSTATION3 GAME GUITAR DRUMS MIC $79.99 Time Remaining: 1h 47m Buy It Now for only: $89.99 Buy It Now |
 NEW BAND HERO GUITAR HERO COMPLETE KIT PS3 PLAYSTATION3 GAME GUITAR DRUMS MIC $89.99 Time Remaining: 1h 47m Buy It Now for only: $99.99 Buy It Now |
 6 Pair 5A Music Band Maple Wood Drum Sticks Drumsticks $16.99 Time Remaining: 15d 7h 43m Buy It Now for only: $16.99 Buy It Now |
 NEW BAND HERO GUITAR HERO COMPLETE KIT PS3 PLAYSTATION3 GAME GUITAR DRUMS MIC $79.99 Time Remaining: 1h 47m Buy It Now for only: $89.99 Buy It Now |
 PS2 PS3 ROCK BAND Drum Black Usb DONGLE RECEIVER pdmselea2b Receiver Only Rare $39.99 Time Remaining: 12d 19h 44m Buy It Now for only: $39.99 Buy It Now |
 NEW BAND HERO GUITAR HERO COMPLETE KIT PS3 PLAYSTATION3 GAME GUITAR DRUMS MIC $89.99 Time Remaining: 1h 47m Buy It Now for only: $99.99 Buy It Now |
 NEW BAND HERO GUITAR HERO COMPLETE KIT PS3 PLAYSTATION3 GAME GUITAR DRUMS MIC $89.99 Time Remaining: 1h 47m Buy It Now for only: $99.99 Buy It Now |
 BRICK OF 12 PAIR MUSIC BAND HICKORY WOOD DRUMSTICKS DRUM STICKS 5B $33.00 Time Remaining: 16h 25m Buy It Now for only: $33.00 Buy It Now |
 NEW BAND HERO GUITAR HERO COMPLETE KIT PS3 PLAYSTATION3 GAME GUITAR DRUMS MIC $89.99 Time Remaining: 1h 47m Buy It Now for only: $99.99 Buy It Now |
 1 Pair Music Band Maple Wood Drum Sticks Drumsticks 5A $3.65 Time Remaining: 14d 21h 21m Buy It Now for only: $3.65 Buy It Now |
 NEW BAND HERO GUITAR HERO COMPLETE KIT PS3 PLAYSTATION3 GAME GUITAR DRUMS MIC $89.99 Time Remaining: 1h 47m Buy It Now for only: $99.99 Buy It Now |
 NEW BAND HERO GUITAR HERO COMPLETE KIT PS3 PLAYSTATION3 GAME GUITAR DRUMS MIC $79.99 Time Remaining: 1h 47m Buy It Now for only: $89.99 Buy It Now |
 Pair Music Band Maple Wood Drum Sticks Drumsticks 5A $2.45 Time Remaining: 3d 5h 20m Buy It Now for only: $2.45 Buy It Now |
 NEW BAND HERO GUITAR HERO COMPLETE KIT PS3 PLAYSTATION3 GAME GUITAR DRUMS MIC $89.99 Time Remaining: 1h 47m Buy It Now for only: $99.99 Buy It Now |
 2 Pair Music Band Maple Wood 7A Drum Sticks Drumsticks $5.99 Time Remaining: 4d 23h 35m Buy It Now for only: $5.99 Buy It Now |
 Xbox 360 Rock Band Drum Set $0.99 Time Remaining: 19h 39m |
 PRO Brand NEW Music Band NATURAL Maple Wood Drum Sticks Drumstick 5A YELLOW $0.99 Time Remaining: 47m |
 700R4 4L60E 4L65E REVERSE INPUT BAND DRUM NEW input 4l70 700 md8 FREE SHIPPING $61.88 Time Remaining: 16d 13h 42m Buy It Now for only: $61.88 Buy It Now |
 Job Lot 6 Vintage Timpo Toy Lead Soldiers Band Musical Drum Flute Brass Flute $13.44 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 18h 8m |
 10 Pairs 7A Music Band Maple Wood Drum Stick Drumsticks $21.99 Time Remaining: 6d 11h 50m Buy It Now for only: $21.99 Buy It Now |
 Rock Band Drum Set Kick Pedal gamer video games $0.99 Time Remaining: 3d 13h 43m |
 ION DRUM ROCKER PREMIUM ROCK BAND DRUM SET PS3 PRE OWNED $99.95 Time Remaining: 1d 17h 2m Buy It Now for only: $149.95 Buy It Now |
 6 Pairs Music Band Maple Wooden Drum Sticks Drumstick 5A $18.50 Time Remaining: 25d 21h 51m Buy It Now for only: $18.50 Buy It Now |
 Harmonix Rock Band Drum Set for PS3 PS2 $19.99 Time Remaining: 1d 12h 57m |
 Rock Band Green Replacement Drum Pad NEW XBox 360 $9.95 Time Remaining: 23d 13h 6m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 Buy It Now |
 VINTAGE GRETSCH SPARKLE SNARE DRUM ROUND BADGE + CASE OLD BAND KIT SET WOW NR $9.99 Time Remaining: 6d 22h 46m |
 ROCK BAND WIRELESS SPEC ED XBOX 360 MICROSOFT BUNDLE DRUMS MIC GUITAR Free Ship $109.99 Time Remaining: 1d 19h 48m |
 100 1 4 SANDING DRUMS BANDS SLEEVES FOR DREMEL MIX $9.99 Time Remaining: 12d 14h 2m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now |
 Scots Guards On Tour Band Pipes Drums Vinyl SEALED $1.50 Time Remaining: 1h 19m |
 A Pair Music Band Maple Wood Drum Sticks Drumsticks 5A $2.39 Time Remaining: 10d 1h 34m Buy It Now for only: $2.39 Buy It Now |
 Disney Mickey Band Leader Drum Major Talking Singing Wistle Macys Mouse $9.99 Time Remaining: 7h 31m Buy It Now for only: $21.99 Buy It Now |
 Electronic Toy Drum Set Digital Pad Music Kids Guitar Rock Band Musical Boy Girl $31.75 Time Remaining: 9h 43m Buy It Now for only: $34.95 Buy It Now |
 Sanding Band Drums 36X grade 2 x 2 inch 5 each $14.99 Time Remaining: 29d 12h 37m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 Buy It Now |
 2 X Toy Drum Set Black Red Musical Instrument Music Band Child Kid Boy Girl $39.95 Time Remaining: 9h 31m Buy It Now for only: $43.95 Buy It Now |
 Official Rock Band Bass Kick Drum Pedal XBOX 360 PS3 PS2 Wii Metal Reinforcement $17.95 Time Remaining: 29d 17h 2m Buy It Now for only: $17.95 Buy It Now |
 Wired Drum Set for Rock Band Xbox 360 Rock Band $11.00 (31 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 16h 52m |
 ROCK BAND Wired Drum Set with Kick Pedal and Sticks for the XBOX 360 Rockband $59.99 Time Remaining: 1d 2h 55m Buy It Now for only: $69.99 Buy It Now |
 Official ROCK BAND 2 Bass Drum KICK PEDAL Wii Xbox PS3 FREE SHIP $29.99 Time Remaining: 28d 18h 20m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 Buy It Now |
 NEW BAND HERO GUITAR HERO COMPLETE KIT PS3 PLAYSTATION3 GAME GUITAR DRUMS MIC $79.99 Time Remaining: 3h 34m Buy It Now for only: $89.99 Buy It Now |
 Rock Band 3 PRO-Cymbals Expansion Kit List Price: Sale Price: $38.99 You save: $1.00 (3%)  Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionRock Band 3 PRO-Cymbals Expansion Kit provides the means for you to drum like the pros with velocity-sensitive Crash, Ride, and Hi-Hat cymbals. With the easy-to-install mounting brackets, you have total control and can set up your drum kit in any configuration you see fit...  |
 Wii Band Hero featuring Taylor Swift - Super Bundle Sale Price: $179.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionBrought to you by the makers of Guitar Hero, one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time, Band Hero features the hottest chart-topping hits from everyone’s favorite acts including Taylor Swift, No Doubt, Lily Allen, The All-American Rejects and Jackson 5... |
 Wii The Beatles: Rock Band - Software Only List Price: Sale Price: $19.96 You save: $10.03 (33%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThe world's leading music game meets the greatest band in history. The Beatles: Rock Band gives fans what they've been waiting for: a chance to experience the Beatles' legendary story from the inside. In The Beatles: Rock Band you won't just watch and listen as The Beatles make rock history, create landmark records and conquer the world-for the first time, you'll be part of the band... |
 Rock Band 3 Wireless Keyboard and Software Bundle for Xbox 360 List Price: Sale Price: $124.99 You save: $5.00 (4%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Temporarily out of stock. Order now and we'll deliver when available. We'll e-mail you with an estimated delivery date as soon as we have more information. Your credit card will not be charged until we ship the item. See Reviews For This Product DescriptionAs a new innovation to rhythm gaming, the Rock Band 3 Wireless Keyboard ups the realism of the Rock Band franchise. Crafted after classic professional Keyboard designs, its versatile layout capable of use on a tabletop or strapped over the shoulder like an electric guitar incorporates an ergonomic sensibility that provides comfort to the casual gamer or seasoned musician... |
 Lego Rock Band List Price: Sale Price: $17.20 You save: $12.79 (43%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionLEGO Rock Band merges two of the most popular video game franchises to deliver a unique family-friendly music experience that will take tweens, teens, families and gamers of all ages on a wild journey to rock stardom in order to "Build a Band and Rock the Universe... |
 Rock Band 3 Wireless Keyboard and Software Bundle for Wii Sale Price: $139.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionAs a new innovation to rhythm gaming, the Rock Band 3 Wireless Keyboard ups the realism of the Rock Band franchise. Crafted after classic professional Keyboard designs, its versatile layout capable of use on a tabletop or strapped over the shoulder like an electric guitar incorporates an ergonomic sensibility that provides comfort to the casual gamer or seasoned musician... |
 Xbox 360 Rock Band 3 MIDI PRO - Adapter Sale Price: $29.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Not yet released See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThe Rock Band 3 MIDI PRO-Adapter provides a link between traditional MIDI instruments and the gaming consoles. Seamless connectivity with MIDI-compatible Drums and Keyboards is now possible. With a versatile clip for use on a tabletop, or attaching to an instrument or waistband, the place-anywhere design promotes total freedom of movement... |
 Wii Guitar Hero 5 Guitar Bundle List Price: Sale Price: $83.99 You save: $6.00 (7%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionFeaturing the best variety and biggest rock stars of today combined with classic rock anthems, and a new improved guitar, the Guitar Hero 5 bundle for Wii cranks it up again for video game rockers. For the first time ever, players can customize the make-up of their band by rocking with any combination of instruments in-game: whether it be two guitars and two drums, or three guitars and a microphone, any combination is possible, allowing players to experience music their own way... |
 Wii Music List Price: Sale Price: $30.46 You save: $19.53 (39%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionWhen it comes to music and rhythm games, Wii Music stands in a class of its own. Unlike other music games, which penalize players if they don't play perfectly, Wii Music is a musical playground where there are no mistakes... |
 Rock Band 3 Wireless Pro-Drum and Pro-Cymbals Kit for Wii List Price: Sale Price: $124.99 You save: $5.00 (4%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionAdd another layer of authenticity to your rock experience with the all-inclusive Rock Band 3 Wireless PRO-Drum & PRO-Cymbals Kit. With four durable drum pads and a metal-reinforced kick pedal, the drum kit can withstand strikes from the most enthusiastic drummers... |
|
|
Gene Krupa - Best of Big Bands: Drum Boogie $6.06 Disc 1:Drum BoogieFull Dress HopThere`ll Be Some Changes MadeNo Name JiveBoogie Woogie Bugle BoyBabe Takes a Bow, TheRhumboogieSt. Louis BluesBoog ItWho?Yes! My Darling Daughter... |
