General
The Illini Drumline has become an icon for Fighting Illini Football; the Illini Drumline performs at several locations throughout game day and is highly recognizable through the three counts of sixteenth note roll to start their cadence series. The Illini Drumline distinguishes itself from other college drumlines with a strong history, consistent excellence, and having fun within our organization.
The Illini Drumline instrumentation varies from year to year. New to the line this year is the Alternate System. The 2009 line includes 10 snares, 5 tenors, 5 basses, and 10 cymbals. The Drumline's 2009 section leader is Mike Stein (cymbals). Rounding off the section heads are Spencer Murray and Zach Wiegmann(snares) Michael Croix (basses), Steve Theis (tenors), and Branden Skarpiak (cymbals). The instructional staff for 2009 consists of Mark Eichenberger (T.A.), Akira Robles (basses), Brandon Catt (cymbals), and Jeremy McGinnis (cymbals).
Preseason
A season with the Illini Drumline begins in early spring. Often, 50 players audition for the potential 10 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.
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 two 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 philanthropies and performs for various events throughout the year. To inquire about any performances, contactPublic Relations.