A percussion ensemble that can perform indoors is known as an indoor drumline. Percussion theater is another name for this type of percussion orchestra. It can be linked to a marching band’s percussion section, another musical department, an orchestra, or a regional performance group. Although these indoor performances do not have to take place in the winter, some people refer to the indoor drumline as a winter drumline.
Indoor drumlines are set up in a variety of configurations. A marching band’s percussion line is frequently used in the indoor drumline. Individuals will stand with their drums and march in place on occasion. Other types of indoor drumlines take a different approach, with the percussionists performing while seated, similar to a pit orchestra. Other indoor drumlins employ a theatrical approach, moving with their drums in fixed positions on or off stage.
Various percussion sounds are represented in a typical indoor drumline. A common component is the large bass drum. A snare drum section and a “tom” section are also common components. The term tom refers to a medium-sized drum that does not produce a snare sound.
The indoor drumline may also include elements with musical tones in addition to these types of percussion. The xylophone is one of them. Several xylophone players may be found in an indoor drumline. Although the xylophone is classified as percussion, it does have a tonal range, so all music in the indoor drumline must be calibrated for pitch as well as rhythm.
A guitar or bass guitar could also be used in conjunction with the indoor drumline. The bass guitar, in particular, is frequently associated with percussion in a variety of musical genres. A bass guitar player can provide a low-register stringed instrument sound to an indoor drumline.
Many indoor drumlines represent school and university music departments. Some of the same conventions apply to these drumlines as they do to an older marching band drumline. This includes players donning a school uniform, auditioning for a spot on an elite percussion unit, and undergoing extensive training related to the percussion ensemble’s quality. These activities are frequently funded through the school’s music department’s general budget, and they are frequently linked to sporting events.