University of Pittsburgh drumline
Encyclopedia
The University of Pittsburgh Drumline, also known as the "Crew," is a percussion section of the University of Pittsburgh Varsity Marching Band currently directed by Jack R. Anderson
. The main function of the drum line is to provide the beat and percussive sounds for the University of Pittsburgh bands. The drumline performs at half-time shows, parades, concerts and other band functions. In addition the drumline has performed as a marching percussion ensemble accompanied by either the Pitt Color guard, or Golden Girls or solo.
The modern Pitt drumline has a long tradition that stretches back to the late 1970s. The Pitt drumline was also one of the first collegiate percussion sections to experiment with Kevlar
drumheads during the early 1980s. During this period, the Pitt Drumline had an endorsement deal with the Canasonic drumhead company. However, the early use of Kevlar head proved unsuccessful as the drums of that era were unable to take the strain of the high tension heads.
The goal of the Pitt Drumline is to perform at the highest level possible, while supporting the University's football program. Their ultimate goal is to pass on the traditions of past lines and to see the Crew grow and improve every season.
In 1985 a new Pitt Drumline tradition was forged. This rebirth coincided with the arrival of new band director O'Neal Sanford and Percussion Caption head David Moy and instructor, Dan "Dann-o" Yadesky. During this period the drumline began to more closely resemble a drum corps style percussion section. Gone were the unison bass drum parts and the new arrangements reflected a drum corps orientation. Cadences by section leader Chuck Lee completed a fresh new sound and direction for the Pitt drumline. In that year, new gold Slingerland
drums were purchased. The drums were used with special order gold Remo heads. Paired with Pitt Band's new uniforms, and the newer muiscal style, the drum line began to grow into a credible modern marching percussion ensemble. While the 1985 drumline was not technically proficient, it was extremely intense. The focus of this first "crew" would be part of the tradition handed down to generations of Pitt drummers.
The Pitt drumline known as became the Crew in 1985 and began several social traditions. The name "Crew" came from a local HS drumline taught by Lee who referred to themselves as "Crew" or "drum mob" and had preferred rapping to drumming. Members of the Pitt Drumline thought this example humorous and they adopted the "Crew" nickname for their section. During this formative period, the Crew began to perform solo engagements at local band festivals (sometimes accompanied by the Pitt Golden Girls and/or Color Guard) where their intricate cadence routines entertained audiences.
During the 1985 band camp, the percussion section hosted the first "OctoberFest" which featured low-cost beverages from Pittsburgh Brewing Company, including "Old German" a cut-rate beer. Another tradition started in this pivotal first year was that of giving nicknames to Crew members such as David "Rox" Diecks, Kevin "Kevi-Kev" Cervi, Curtis "Blow" Spence and many others. In 1986 the first Crew House was established at an apartment house in South Oakland.
By the late 1980s, the "crew" was very large, featuring as many as 12 snares in 1988. In 1984, a pre-game entrance cadence written by Lee and with drill by section leader Cindy Cormier became a standard part of pre-game performances. Over time, successive drumlines would refine the cadence and drill. For instance, in the early 1990s the Crew encouraged alumni to bring fire extinguishers for the entrance to add smoke to the performance. After the success of the drumline's smoke-filled entrance, the entire band soon adopted the smokey entrance. During the 1990s, and 2000s, the Pitt Drumline would continue to evolve. In 2006 the line received brand new Pearl Drums.
The Spirit Award is presented annually to a member of the Drumline who best exhibits great enthusiasm when the Band takes the field or when our teams are in action, no matter if they are winning or losing. The awardee must demonstrate unwavering loyalty to the Varsity Marching Band and to his/her fellow percussionists. Most importantly, the awardee must have sacrificed his/her personal gain for the benefit of others.
The Spirit Award conveys no reward or outward sign of glory save having the awardee's name engraved on the commemorative plaque residing in the Varsity Marching Band facility. The honor of this award is the knowledge that the awardee's peers have selected him/her as the person who represents the best qualities of each member of the Drumline.
Jack R. Anderson
Jack R. Anderson was appointed Director of Bands at the University of Pittsburgh in 1995 after serving as assistant director at Pitt for 9 years. His responsibilities include directing the Varsity Marching Band, leading the Pep Band, and conducting the Symphonic Band...
. The main function of the drum line is to provide the beat and percussive sounds for the University of Pittsburgh bands. The drumline performs at half-time shows, parades, concerts and other band functions. In addition the drumline has performed as a marching percussion ensemble accompanied by either the Pitt Color guard, or Golden Girls or solo.
The modern Pitt drumline has a long tradition that stretches back to the late 1970s. The Pitt drumline was also one of the first collegiate percussion sections to experiment with Kevlar
Kevlar
Kevlar is the registered trademark for a para-aramid synthetic fiber, related to other aramids such as Nomex and Technora. Developed at DuPont in 1965, this high strength material was first commercially used in the early 1970s as a replacement for steel in racing tires...
drumheads during the early 1980s. During this period, the Pitt Drumline had an endorsement deal with the Canasonic drumhead company. However, the early use of Kevlar head proved unsuccessful as the drums of that era were unable to take the strain of the high tension heads.
The goal of the Pitt Drumline is to perform at the highest level possible, while supporting the University's football program. Their ultimate goal is to pass on the traditions of past lines and to see the Crew grow and improve every season.
History
During the 1970s, the Pitt Drumline was known as "The Chrome Wall" for its large size and chrome percussion equipment. In those days, the line often had more than eight snare drums and eight bass drums. This version of the Pitt Drumline was instructed by Lorry Yednak and the band director then was Don Hower.In 1985 a new Pitt Drumline tradition was forged. This rebirth coincided with the arrival of new band director O'Neal Sanford and Percussion Caption head David Moy and instructor, Dan "Dann-o" Yadesky. During this period the drumline began to more closely resemble a drum corps style percussion section. Gone were the unison bass drum parts and the new arrangements reflected a drum corps orientation. Cadences by section leader Chuck Lee completed a fresh new sound and direction for the Pitt drumline. In that year, new gold Slingerland
Slingerland Drum Company
-History:The Slingerland Drum Company is a historic drum company that is linked to the rich history of jazz drumming. The company was founded by Henry Heanon "H.H." Slingerland in 1912. Slingerland had won a correspondence school of music in a card game aboard one of the gaming boats that once...
drums were purchased. The drums were used with special order gold Remo heads. Paired with Pitt Band's new uniforms, and the newer muiscal style, the drum line began to grow into a credible modern marching percussion ensemble. While the 1985 drumline was not technically proficient, it was extremely intense. The focus of this first "crew" would be part of the tradition handed down to generations of Pitt drummers.
The Pitt drumline known as became the Crew in 1985 and began several social traditions. The name "Crew" came from a local HS drumline taught by Lee who referred to themselves as "Crew" or "drum mob" and had preferred rapping to drumming. Members of the Pitt Drumline thought this example humorous and they adopted the "Crew" nickname for their section. During this formative period, the Crew began to perform solo engagements at local band festivals (sometimes accompanied by the Pitt Golden Girls and/or Color Guard) where their intricate cadence routines entertained audiences.
During the 1985 band camp, the percussion section hosted the first "OctoberFest" which featured low-cost beverages from Pittsburgh Brewing Company, including "Old German" a cut-rate beer. Another tradition started in this pivotal first year was that of giving nicknames to Crew members such as David "Rox" Diecks, Kevin "Kevi-Kev" Cervi, Curtis "Blow" Spence and many others. In 1986 the first Crew House was established at an apartment house in South Oakland.
By the late 1980s, the "crew" was very large, featuring as many as 12 snares in 1988. In 1984, a pre-game entrance cadence written by Lee and with drill by section leader Cindy Cormier became a standard part of pre-game performances. Over time, successive drumlines would refine the cadence and drill. For instance, in the early 1990s the Crew encouraged alumni to bring fire extinguishers for the entrance to add smoke to the performance. After the success of the drumline's smoke-filled entrance, the entire band soon adopted the smokey entrance. During the 1990s, and 2000s, the Pitt Drumline would continue to evolve. In 2006 the line received brand new Pearl Drums.
The David "Rox" Diecks Spirit Award
The Spirit Award is name in honor of snare drummer David "Rox" Diecks who died April 12, 1992 in an automobile accident. Although mortally injured, Rox assisted in removing his friends from the wreckage and refused treatment until they were treated. During his career as Pitt drummer, Rox had always pursued excellence through hard practice and was extremely supportive of other members. Rox's unselfish act, when mortally wounded, and his spirit of service that typified the man, and he is celebrated annually with the presentation of the David "Rox" Diecks Spirit Award.The Spirit Award is presented annually to a member of the Drumline who best exhibits great enthusiasm when the Band takes the field or when our teams are in action, no matter if they are winning or losing. The awardee must demonstrate unwavering loyalty to the Varsity Marching Band and to his/her fellow percussionists. Most importantly, the awardee must have sacrificed his/her personal gain for the benefit of others.
The Spirit Award conveys no reward or outward sign of glory save having the awardee's name engraved on the commemorative plaque residing in the Varsity Marching Band facility. The honor of this award is the knowledge that the awardee's peers have selected him/her as the person who represents the best qualities of each member of the Drumline.