What Is a Winter Drumline?

A winter drumline is a group of percussionists who perform indoor competitive shows that usually include both music and marching in formations. Different types of percussion instruments from both marching and concert bands can be incorporated into a winter drumline show, depending on the demands of the show’s theme. These musical ensembles are frequently part of a high school or college music department, but there are also a number of independent community drum lines. These indoor percussion ensembles have competitive seasons that run from October to March each year. Each drumline performance takes place in an indoor gym, usually on a basketball court.

Tenor, snare, quad, and bass drums are commonly used in these types of shows. A winter drumline can include a stationary percussion section known as a pit, in addition to the drums used in marching routines. This band consists of musicians who play larger instruments like xylophones, timpani, chimes, and even drum kits like those used in rock bands. With electric keyboards and guitars, some winter drumlines add more musical creativity to their pit sections. The only element that is normally not allowed is a previously recorded music track, so competition rules usually allow for this wide range of instrument choices.

Winter drumline shows usually include a lot of theatrical elements, such as elaborate sets and costumes for the performers. The majority of these indoor percussion ensembles perform on top of a large tarp that covers the gym floor where the competition is held. These tarps are usually made of vinyl with designs painted on them to match the drumline show’s theme. To create a more complete picture of the show theme, some ensembles include backdrops placed in the upstage area of the floor.

Themes and music for a winter drumline show can be quite diverse. Many groups choose to re-enact popular movie or television show plots, complete with musical scores adapted for percussion instruments. These types of show themes frequently change from year to year, depending on what is currently popular in theaters and on television. Other drumlines put on classical or popular music performances, complete with sets and costumes that include visual elements.