Illini Drumline

The Illini Drumline is the marching percussion section of the Marching Illini, the Marching Band at the University of Illinois. Instrumentation varies from year to year, but typically includes 10 snare drums, 5 tenors, 5 bass drums, and 10 cymbals. Great playing and performances aside, the hallmark of the Illini Drumline has always been its camaraderie and cohesiveness. The line has become much like a fraternity through the ample time spent together during the season at rehearsal as well as outside of band socializing. The traditions and customs of the Illini Drumline stretch far into the past, and mark the bonds that the members share. As the alumni and current members vow, "We are forever bound".
History
The marching percussion section of the Marching Illini goes back to 1906, the inaugural season of the band itself. In 1976, under the leadership of section leader Russ Weber, the line made a major transition to a more modern style and look. Russ brought in new talent, new cadences, and new ideas. By 1979, the line had completed the transformation to its current form with a set of new instruments and uniforms. In a nation of college drumlines, there may not be a more recognizable sound than that of the 3 counts of 16th note roll and release that start the cadence series of the University of Illinois Marching Illini Drumline.
Preseason
A season with the Illini Drumline begins in early spring. Often, 50 players audition for the potential 9 snare, 5 tenor, 5 bass drum, and 10 cymbal spots that are open in the drumline. Evaluated by experienced, dedicated, and talented staff members, the line is not set in its final fashion until the beginning of band camp in August. The Illini Drumline stresses progress and improvement at all times between camps and day-to-day. Individual improvement and a desire to improve are recognized and are a primary influence when deciding who is offered a spot on the line.
During the summer, the drumline has historically held one extra rehearsal, Three-Day Fest. This weekend long rehearsal serves as the first opportunity for rookies to meet the vets and become a cohesive unit. Here the members of the drumline begin to refine their skills, start polishing warm-ups and our series cadence, and begin to build up endurance leading into band camp.
After Three-Day Fest the line continues to work individually until the start of band camp in mid-August. During the week of band camp, which is often more strenuous than the students' upcoming classes, the drumline works through the cadence series and traditional music, and plays in the first three performances of the year: Illini First Night at Memorial Stadium, the Illinois Sights and Sounds performance for incoming students, and Quad Day. The drumline and the Sousaphones additionally perform for March Around. The drumline uses March Around, a march through campus while playing the cadence series, as both a chance to build much needed endurance, and to welcome the students back to campus.
Game Day
Game days begin at the start of the Football season. The Marching Illini rehearses as a whole for an hour and a half on game day. During this time the band works on the pregame as well as halftime drill and music. One of the most important and anticipated parts of the day for the drumline comes about 2 hours before game time, when public warm-ups begin. Public warm-ups are a time for the drumline to warm up and get in the right mindset for the day, as well as a time for the public to see the drumline’s full cadence series. While the minutes until kickoff dwindle down, the Marching Illini takes their places for pregame. During the game the drumline as well as the band play during stoppage times. Halftime allows the Marching Illini to show off their diversity performing a different show each week concluded with the famous Three-In-One. Postgame the band plays Illinois Loyalty for the fans before marching back to the Education Building where a short concert is performed and the band is dismissed.
Additional Performances
Game days are not the only opportunity to see the Illini Drumline. In mid-October, The Marching Illini performs in concert at the Assembly Hall. Also, in mid-to-late October, the Illini Marching Band Festival brings one of the most exciting days of the season. The drumline sells its merchandise during this all day event, holds public sectional rehearsals, and performs the largest public warm-up of the year for thousands of high school band students, alumni, and potentially, future members of the Illini Drumline. The season often includes a road trip to another Big Ten school, and Homecoming performances. Homecoming gives the drumline the opportunity to remember its past traditions, drum with the alumni, and meet some of the people that have given them the opportunity to be a part of such a historical organization. The drumline is open to performing at functions outside of school as well. In addition to supporting the many of the Fighting Illini Varsity Sports, the drumline supports local philanthropys and performs for various events throughout the year. To inquire about any performances, please visit our website http://www.uidrumline.com and use the "Contact Us" link in the footer of the page.
Drum and Bugle Corps
More than forty members and staff of the Illini Drumline over the past 30 years have been members of touring drum and bugle corps. The line has had members of 14 active corps and five inactive. Many of the drumline’s members and alumni have won DCI World Championships. Members of the current line come from 28 different high school programs and 3 different drum and bugle corps (Blue Stars, Colts and Pioneer).

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