Drumline

Handbook
2017

Dr. Kevin A. Nichols

Associate Professor of Music, Percussion
Drumline Coordinator
 Welcome to the Western Illinois University
Marching Leatherneck Drumline!

The following information is intended to help you prepare for the season. All members of
the Marching Leathernecks must read all documents received. The informational letters we
have sent and the band manual, which you will receive at the beginning of camp, are essential
to you as they contain important information not covered in this handbook. In this handbook,
you will find information regarding initial schedule, equipment, warm-ups, and initial
literature.

LEATHERNECK DRUMLINE LEADERSHIP

The Marching Leathernecks are proud to have these members as our undergraduate drumline
staff:

Jacob Dunbar, Drumline Captain/snare drums

Chase Dunaway, tenors
tba, bass drums
tba, cymbals

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION

KN’s Office: 309-298-1235/ KA-Nichols1@wiu.edu
Bands’ Office: 309-298-1505
Jacob Dunbar: jr-dunbar2@wiu.edu
Chase Dunaway: cw-dunaway@wiu.edu

OPS: 298-1949
Marching Leatherneck Webpage:
http://www.wiu.edu/bands/ensembles/athletic/leathernecks/index.jsp

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IMPORTANT PLACES
KN’s office: Sallee 102
Bands’ Office: Sallee 202A
School of Music Office: Browne 122
Equipment Storage: Sallee 122
Indoor Rehearsal space: Browne 129
Outdoor Rehearsal space: Corbin/Olsen Field
Football Games: Hanson Field

SCHEDULES

I. MINI-CAMP
Camp starts for the Drumline on Sunday, August 13. If you are bringing all of
your belonging for your dorm room, plan to be in Browne Hall room 130 at 12:30 p.m.
This will serve as a secure storage for Sunday and Monday night. At 1:00 p.m., we will
meet in room 129, Browne Hall, for information and introductions. Shortly thereafter, we
will begin auditions for placement. Auditions are for all members and are held in
Browne 129. If you have questions, feel free to contact Dr. Nichols (309/298-1235) or the
Bands’ Office (309/298-1505). For camp, you will specifically need to have:
1. Sticks or mallet you have already
2. Money for sticks or mallets to match the line
3. Khaki shorts
4. Three ring binder containing the drumline handbook

Of course, your other belongings for the school year should come with you.

II. REHEARSALS
It is crucial that all rehearsals start on time. The Marching Leathernecks rehearse
Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 4:15 until 6:15 p.m. on the Corbin-Olson field. These
are “ensemble” rehearsals. Make the necessary plans to be on the field and ready to play
no later than 4:10 p.m. As a member of this organization, you are expected to have your
music and warm-ups prepared prior to rehearsal. You will also need to show up with

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 necessary materials (binder, sticks/mallets, instrument, etc.) Failure to do so can result
in lowered letter grade or expulsion from Drumline.

EXTRA MANDATORY REHEARSALS

Please include the following rehearsal times in your schedule. Due to the spectrum of
responsibilities and activities of the season, it will be necessary for the drumline to supplement
the daily marching band rehearsals.
Tuesday, August 22 9-11 pm
Saturday, August 26 10 – noon show drum maintenance
Tuesday, August 29 9-11 pm
Tuesday, September 5 9-11 pm
Tuesday, September 12 9-11 pm
Tuesday, September 19 9-11 pm
Tuesday, September 26 9-11 pm
(Tuesday, October 3 9-11 pm)

III. SECTIONALS
Sectionals outside of our scheduled rehearsals are a vital part of the Leatherneck
Drumline success. You are strongly encouraged to participate and make necessary plans
for these sessions to be a positive and successful supplement. Your section leader will
organize all sectionals.

IIII. PERFORMANCES
Please be sure to make the necessary plans to be early for all events. The Drumline
call will be one hour prior to the rest of the ensemble. We will need the time to access the
instruments and do any last minute maintenance.

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 Periodically you need to check the Marching Band calendar. Bring all possible conflicts to
Dr. Nichols’ attention as soon as possible. See Marching Band Handbook regarding
absences and tardiness.

EQUIPMENT
All marching percussion instruments are stored in Room 122, Sallee Hall. Unless
other arrangements are made, be sure to have all of your equipment on the practice field
before the start of rehearsal. It is the responsibility of each player to store his/her
instrument in the proper place after every rehearsal and performance. Covers will be
used for all rehearsals. Additionally, the covers should be taken off for all performances
and placed back on the drums immediately after the performances (ready for the next
rehearsal. Cases will be used for all off-campus performances. You are responsible to
pack your own drum and cover in the case. Cases are stored in the same area as the
instruments.

It is the responsibility of each member of the drumline to take care of his or her
own instrument and to keep the storage area clean and organized. If there is a problem
with an instrument, please notify your section leader.

The bass drums will be responsible to purchase two pairs of mallets. You are
encouraged to save one pair for performance. Snare and tenor players are responsible to
purchase their own implements as well. You should have two to three pairs available at
all times. New players will all need to purchase a stick bag as well. Tenors may need to
purchase other types of implements depending on music. We are fortunate to continue
our endorsement with Vic Firth. Sticks and mallets are available through Dr. Nichols.

It is important that everyone bring to camp a 3-ring binder with plastic sleeves
for music. Music, additional warm-ups, and valuable information will be given to you
throughout the season. This will only aid in keeping everything organized and continue
the development of our drumline.

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AUDITIONS
Placement audition will happen on the first day of Drumline Mini-camp. All
warm-ups contained in this handbook will need to be prepared to the best of your

ability in order to achieve desired instrument. Memorization is mandatory. In

addition, you will need to prepare and memorize We’re Marching On (WIU “Fight Song”).
You are also welcome to prepare a brief (32-measure) solo if you feel that it will
demonstrate your musicianship. Feel free to contact KN or the Drumline Captain for
assistance. Depending on instrument, audition may be individual or as a group. Audition
panel will consist of KN and section leader. Other faculty, staff or clinicians may also be
involved in the audition process.

DRUMLINE GOALS
Commitment
Investment
Accountability
Support
Listen
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General Considerations

Technique (MUY IMPORTANTE . . . . Stay relaxed and breathe!)

Hand position
1. Make sure that you are holding the mallet or stick at the proper balance point
2. Keep all fingers intact and keep a firm grip
3. Snares (RH) and tenors should keep your palm facing the ground
4. Snares (RH) and tenors - make sure that movement is initiated from the wrist
5. Snares (LH) and bass drums – rotate the forearm
6. Know your playing areas (center, off center, edge) and when to use them
7. Know the four basic strokes (full, down, up, dead) and when to use them
8. Be consistent in where your stick tips or mallet heads strike the instrument’s surface
9. Start slowly, use a metronome, and gradually increase the tempo

Posture
1. Eyes straight forward and chin up
2. Shoulders should be relaxed, but not slouching forward
3. Arms at a comfortable and efficient playing angle
4. Spine straight
5. Legs straight, but do not lock your knees

Feet
1. Heels together when at attention
2. Mark time for all exercises and music

Musicianship Tips
1) General tips
ü Learn your music before rehearsal
ü Use your ears
ü What is YOUR sound within the ensemble
ü Always think of what is next
ü Learn in sections

2) Playing area on the surface of drums

ü Center – articulate (general playing area for snares and basses)
ü Off Center – resonant (general playing area for tenors)
ü Edge – thin and many overtones (only utilized if instructed to do so)

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3) Tempo and Rhythm
ü Use metronome consistently
ü Subdivide
ü Count aloud before and during your passages

4) Dynamics (these are not inclusive; dynamics need to be relative to literature

and ensemble)

ü Dictated by implement height

Snare drum and tenor drum parameters

ZONE  1. pp = 1” grace notes

ZONE  2. p – 3” no forearm
ZONE  3. mf – 6” no forearm
ZONE  4. f – 9” (General warm-up dynamic) no forearm
ZONE  5. ff – 12” some forearm
ZONE  6. fff – 15” +

Bass drum parameters – think of a clock face

ZONE  1. p – RH at 1 o’clock/LH at 11 o’clock
ZONE  2. mf – RH at 2 o’clock/LH at 10 o’clock
ZONE  3. f – RH at 3 o’clock/LH at 9 o’clock (General warm-up
dynamic)
ZONE  4. ff – RH at 4 o’clock/LH at 8 o’clock

Cymbal parameters (measurement indicates space between cymbals)

ZONE  1. p – 3”
ZONE  2. mf – 9”
ZONE  3. f – 12”
ZONE  4. ff – 18” +

ü Again, always be conscious of what the music calls for.

ü Layers of sound or addition of instruments dictates some dynamics.

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 Cymbal technique

The following techniques will be utilized initially:

1) Orchestral crash – cymbals are placed in front of body, held
in a somewhat horizontal position (slightly angled to floor)
2) Overhead crash – bells of cymbals in line with eyes
3) Horizontal hinge choke – a la high hats
4) Overhead Taps – similar position to overhead crash; cymbal
edge in line with eyes; “tapping right cymbals against the
outer edge of the left cymbal” produce the desired sound
5) Frontal Taps – both cymbals touching players sides of mid-
section; tapping apex is at the naval-level
6) Slide choke – cymbals

***During camp, we also will be discussing posture, cymbal placement

(port, prep, crash, etc.) for articulating a sound, cymbal placement for
holding for snare drums, and various visual element (icing on the
cake!).

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WARM-UPS
Although warm-ups are an essential part of every rehearsal, we may be short on
time due to the stats of the shows. If available, come early to rehearsal to start getting
your mind, hands, and instrument prepared. It is important to be on time for each
rehearsal so that we have full attendance at warm-up if time permits. The warm-ups will
evolve throughout the season (many of the warm-ups are brought to the line through
members), but we will start simple and strive for an ensemble that is well balanced,
musically excelling, technically progressing, and can perform with intensity. Remember
that the intent of each warm-up is always:

To prepare you physically to play. Those that have marched before know this
includes arm, wrist, and finger muscles as well as developing the shoulder,
back, and leg muscles.

To prepare you mentally to play. Many of the warm-ups may seem very simple (as
simple as doing nothing) but the intent may be for you to relax your mind
enough to think very clearly about something extremely easy. This makes
technically difficult exercises much easier to accomplish.

To prepare you musically to play. The percussionist’s ultimate goal is to make

music. In order for this to happen on the field, all members of the
percussion section have to learn to make music together. Again, by starting
simple in a warm-up, we become more musically conscientious. Once you
have control of the specific part you play, listen to the entire percussion
section for the music.

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METRONOME MARKING = 60 – 152
2017 Eights

Performance notes:
o Everyone should be striving for relaxed, controlled full-strokes throughout exercise. One
fluid motion per note
o Bass drums should play unison for the odd reps
o Cymbals should execute use an orchestral crash for odd reps and overhead crashes for
even reps

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METRONOME MARKING = 60 – 140

Performance notes:
o Everyone should be striving for relaxed, controlled full-strokes throughout exercise. One
fluid motion per note
o Bass drums should play unison for the odd reps
o Cymbals should execute use an orchestral crash for odd reps and overhead crashes for
even reps

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METRONOME MARKING = 60 – 126

Performance notes:
o Everyone should be striving for relaxed, controlled full-strokes throughout exercise. One
fluid motion per note. At slower tempos, control everyone note with hand (not rebound)
o Bass drums should play unison for the odd reps
o Cymbals should execute a Horizontal Hinge Choke (a la high hat) for odd reps and
orchestral crashes for even reps

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METRONOME MARKING = 80 – 152

Performance notes:
o Be aware of stroke type (Up, Down, Full [tap]) and their application.
o Be sure to keep unaccented notes low to the playing surface. Strive for
consistency with unaccented notes.
o Cymbals should execute a Horizontal Hinge Choke (a la high hat) for odd reps and
frontal taps for even reps

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METRONOME MARKING = 108 – 152

Performance notes:
o Work on accuracy of stick motion, grip, and rebound control.
o Everyone should apply right hand lead to this exercise.
o Tenors should focus on the economics and fluidity of motion. Stay relaxed.

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METRONOME MARKING = 90 – 176

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METRONOME MARKING = 80 – 120

Performance notes:
o Right hand lead should be applied to this exercise.
o Be aware of stroke type (Up, Down, Full [tap]) and their application.
o Be sure to keep unaccented notes low to the playing surface. Strive for
consistency with unaccented notes.
o Cymbals should execute use an orchestral crash for odd reps and overhead crashes for
even reps

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METRONOME MARKING = 80 – 120

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METRONOME MARKING = 120 – 176

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METRONOME MARKING = 150

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METRONOME MARKING = 150

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METRONOME MARKING = 150

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METRONOME MARKING = 150

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6

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Tenor

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A

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Bass

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>
Cymbals

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> >> v
TNR

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>
BD

CYM ÷ Û+ Û+ Û+ Û+ Û+ Û+ Û+ Û+ Û+ Û+ Û+ Û+ Û+ Û+ Û+ Û+ Û+ Û+ Û+ Û+ Û+ Û+ Û+ Û+

j j
6

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SNR
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j ƒ j
œœ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ! ! ! œ œ œ!œ ≈ œ œ!œ œ œ œ œ!œ j j œ œ
6

÷ œœœ œœ Œ ‰ œ œ œœœ œœœ œ œ œ œ œ

œ œ > >œ œ > >> œ
œ œ œ œ
œ . >œœ ‰ >±± ≈>œœ .. >>>>>>œ >
>> v P F
TNR

j œj . œœ œœ œ œ œ œ ƒ
œœœ j j j œœ œœ œ j j j
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F > > > > > >> >
BD
P ƒ
j j j j j j j j
÷ Û+ Û+ Û Œ ¿ . ¿ ‰ ¿ ≈ ¿j . ¿¿¿¿ ¿¿¿¿ Œ ‰ Û ≈Û . ‰ Û ¿ . ¿ ‰ ¿ ≈ ¿ . ¿¿¿¿ ¿¿¿¿ Œ ‰ÛŒ Û Û Û ‰ Ó.
o + F o + > >> >
CYM
P ƒ

Cadence:

Spider ’86
http://www.wiu.edu/cofac/bands/ensembles/marching_band/pdf/spider_parts.pdf

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The WIU Leatherneck is proud to be supported by

the following companies:

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