Longwood’s drum line is back and ready to perform for the Longwood’s student body at basketball games. The school’s very own drum line, also known as Longwood’s Stampede, is a fairly new program that started in 2013. Chris Thomas, director of percussion worked hard to put the drum line where it is today. “It was difficult setting up the program and trying to get students to join, but we got it done,” said Thomas.
The majority of the group was made up of percussion majors and people who had experience with instruments. The first year, the drum line members were trying to figure out how to perform, what works and what doesn’t and what made things easier for them through trial and error. The new process brought the members closer, and they became fast friends. “It was really amazing how fast these students became friends with one another, it quickly started to feel like family and I think that’s what made this a success,” said Thomas.
Being in drum line takes work and practice, but can be an enjoyable experience. Practice began mid-September, although it started out as a small group of students, they were very eager to perform in front of a crowd. A member of the drum line says, “It’s really great playing for the audience, the energy is amazing. I’m grateful for having experienced [it].”
These students take time off their schedule to practice on the weekends with the group or break off in sectionals so that they can learn how to play their parts with their section. “It can sometimes be difficult to rehearse since there are other things I have to do like homework for other classes. I am not getting any class credit for joining the drum line, but it’s something I really enjoy doing, so regardless of all the other things that I have to do I always try to fit it into my schedule,” remarked a drum line member.
Students that have been to Longwood’s basketball games in 2013 may have noticed the drum line. Student Emily Horton says, “ I went to a basketball game and I saw the drum line play and thought it was pretty cool. I didn’t even know that Longwood had a drum line.” She spoke to her friends that have been to Longwood longer and found out that they had never seen the line before either. Horton also noticed that there were flyers about the line and thought that originally only people that played instruments were allowed to join, but saw that anyone could join. “I think more people should join. The group was small, but they sounded great. I would join but I don’t have the time for it this year, but who knows maybe I’ll check it out next year.”
Longwood students in the drum line have spent hours in rehearsal. If you want to see them perform, come out to a basketball game. Longwood Stampede is under the direction of Chris Thomas. If you are interested in joining or want to learn more, talk to Mr. Thomas in Wygal Hall.
