DRUMLINE
The Michigan Drumline consists of about 40 members. Truly “one big family,” the section culture is a combination of rigorous hard work and dedication mixed with a ton of fun!
Drumline leadership is made up of four rank leaders and one section leader.
Prospective students are encouraged to reach out to Prof. Chuck Ricotta to ask questions about auditioning or to learn more about their section and the ensemble. Please do not send inquiries about hiring the drumline to this email address. See our Hire the Band page for more information.
“Every moment with the drumline is one I want to remember, from coming up with show visuals to giving hugs when school gets stressful. The memories, experiences, and friends are why people should join the MMB. These are the people I want in my life for the rest of my life.”
— Kaitlyn Pelton, ‘22
“The drumline is a well-oiled machine that doesn't feel mechanical. Extremely hard-working and detail-focused, ripe with healthy challenges that make you a better musician and member, and supported by an extremely knowledgable and dedicated base of staff and members alike. Being a part of it is the best way to spend your fall at Michigan.”
-Nick Pisarczyk, ‘27
WHAT IS THE DRUMLINE’s favorite…
part of band week?
We love our very first step show performance. The audition for drumline is a very long process, and during our summer rehearsals before band camp, we sometimes draw a few spectators when we practice outside. The first crowd we ever see, though, are band members after a long day of band camp, watching us do our full step show routine that we've been working on for months as the sun is just dipping below the horizon. It's a blast and honestly empowering to perform in front of a group of supportive fellow band members.
rehearsal tradition?
Before every rehearsal, the drumline marches from Revelli Hall to Elbel Field while playing our cadence sequence. It’s a great way to get into the rehearsal headspace and practice playing in unison with the group!
social activity?
We do so much together! We've had viewing parties for new movies and the super bowl, and many of us go to the South Quad dining hall together after rehearsals. One of my favorites is definitely the Drum/Flag pumpkin carving.
game day tradition?
Our favorite game day tradition is hyping the section up for step show. Right ebfore we go out, we huddle together behind Revelli and we get ready to perform for the crowd.
We love our section tailgates, where our lovely section parents volunteer to provide us with warm food and snacks for the day after our game day rehearsal. The top tailgate was pancakes on an outdoor griddle.
