A drumline competition is a music competition in which up to 50 musicians compete in the performance of percussion instruments, specifically marching percussion instruments. These contests are a lot like marching band competitions. The difference is that they only feature an ensemble’s drumline, or percussion section, or an ensemble that only uses percussionists. Participants are usually in high school or college, and they join the combination as part of the musical arts program at their academic institution.
In drumline competitions, musicians play four different instruments in the battery, which is the marching section of the drumline. Snare drums, bass drums, tenor drums, and cymbals are among them. Some marching glockenspiels and xylophones are still used some drumlines, but this is becoming less common. Other stationary instruments may be used in the pit or front ensemble, which is the section of the drumline that does not march. Chimes, timpani, and xylophone are examples of front ensemble instruments.
Although a drumline competition is a musical event, judges do not solely judge on musicality. A lot of the emphasis in a drumline competition is on showmanship. Participants usually plan their performance around a theme, choreographing each step and stick movement to achieve specific effects. If the audience enjoys what they see and hear from the drumline, they frequently whistle, clap, and cheer to show their appreciation. At least five judges are usually present at drumline competitions, including a head judge, a music judge, a visual judge, a general effects judge, and a tabulation judge, who examine the various aspects of the show in detail.
Participants in a drumline competition must follow the event’s strict rules, which are outlined in the American Drum Line Association’s general guidelines. These rules cover everything from entering and exiting the performance area to using audio and visual equipment. When a drumline fails to follow the competition rules, the judges usually penalize the group with one or more penalties. To avoid technicalities that result in a lower score or disqualification, groups pay close attention to regulations, particularly at the state and national levels.
Drumlines typically perform for four to eight minutes, with a total of nine minutes to set up, play, and leave the performance area, according to ADLA standards. Groups may perform a variety of music during this time, but because they only have so much time to show the judges what they can do, show themes and individual music selections are frequently designed to provide as many “wow” moments as possible. The songs’ tempos are usually moderate to fast in order to accommodate the performers’ natural physical movements.
Drumlines typically compete in drumline competitions for the honor of being “the best” and because the participants genuinely enjoy the combination of music, artistry, sportsmanship, and, on rare occasions, ongoing rivalry. However, some drumline competitions do award prizes. Small to mid-level scholarships, grants for the winning group to purchase new instruments or music, or the right to perform at specific events are some of the prizes. Medals or certificates of participation are awarded some drumline competition boards.