Jeffrey Garza, the Wildcats’ Marching Band percussion instructor, says the drum line is the heart in the center of any musical group. He says if they are not right, it means trouble for the entire band.
To get percussion players on the same page in time for the start of summer band next week, Garza has been holding drum line camp last week and this week, July 22-26.
Last week, he worked with the front ensemble including keyboards. He says that group features lots of incoming freshmen.
This week, Garza is working with the veteran filled batterie featuring players of marching snares, quads and bass drums. They are working outside as well as inside the band hall.
Garza says this fall’s band show features the drum line in a big way. He says the students seem to be enjoying the music of the show called “It’s a Wonderful World.”
Last year’s show had a lot of modern music in it. This year’s has a different mix including classical and Louis Armstrong jazz.
After a business day Monday evening mostly about paperwork and forms, the band will hit the field for the first sessions of summer band at 8 a.m. next Tuesday.
