Drum line keeps beat

At least twice a week outside the R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center a deafening rumble fills the air. It’s not thunder. It’s the University’s new performance drum line practicing to make its debut this semester.

Patriots drum line members from left to right Bennie Snell, Patrick Marshall, Joey Cronan, and Jake Ham practice with their snare and bass drums outisde the Cowan Center. Photo by Libby Moore.

The drum line is led and directed by Robert Crutchfield, an adjunct lecturer in music with a background in percussion. Members — including three freshmen, three juniors, and one senior — may be found practicing every Monday and Wednesday afternoon for at least an hour. The new group was made possible by $10,000 allocated from student fees.

Freshman Wes Holt (front) works on bass drums with director Robert Crutchfield during rehearsals for the new drum line on campus. Photo by Jessica Sibbing.

Drum line members obviously are working toward recognition as a serious musical entity, but it is also apparent from their fervor that practicing is fun. “I love to play and I get to bond with my drum line brothers and sisters,” junior Bennie Snell said. The drum line is a testament to teamwork. Together the students empty a storage room containing their choice drums, together they set up their drums, and together the group conducts a warm up.

“My favorite part of drum line is playing the cadences,” freshman Joey Cronan said of the traditional drum line warm up. The players hope that together they can produce an upbeat sound to energize Patriots sports fans. “The purpose (of the drum line) is for school spirit and to encourage students with some percussion experience to be involved in music,” Crutchfield said. “It is not too late to join as we are building the drum line.”

The drum line is set to perform at upcoming sporting events this fall and can be seen next at the Oct. 12 homecoming pep rally.