University of Pittsburgh drumline

The University of Pittsburgh Drumline, also known as the "Crew," is a percussion section of the University of Pittsburgh Marching Band. The Pitt drumline has a long tradition that stretches back to the late 1970s. The Pitt drumline played a key role in the use of the matched snare grip in the 1970s and 80s. In addition the drumline has performed as a marching percussion ensemble accompanied by either the Pitt Color guard, or Golden Girls or solo. The Pitt drumline was also one of the first collegiate or drum corps lines 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. The group has two names: the Pitt Drumline and the Crew. The Drumline wears uniforms and plays the drums. The Pitt Crew parties together and stands by each other in many situations. 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 playing unison parts. This version of the Pitt Drumline was instructed by Lorry Yednak. The band director at this time 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 Instructor David Moy. During this period, under section leaders Chuck Lee, Cindy Cormier and Chris "Riverside" Martin, the drumline began to more closely resemble a drum corps style percussion section. In that year, new gold Slingerland drums were purchased.

By the late 1980s, the "crew" was large and becoming technically proficient.Instead of leading the Pitt Band onto the field as they had for the past 50+ years, the Pitt Drumline began to emerge on their own and play a solo cadence written by Lee in 1986. Upon conclusion, another drum cadence then invited the rest of the Pitt Band, Golden Girls, and Colorguard onto the field. In an era where the quality of football was starting to decline, this crowd favorite entrance became a tradition. In time, the developing Crew encouraged alumni to bring fire extinguishers for the entrance to add smoke to the performance mix. 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 become more refined. In 2006 the line received brand new Pearl Drums and can be seen on youtube.com; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaOAZxtCDr8

The David "Rox" Diecks Spirit Award

The Spirit Award is name in honor of snare drummer David "Rox" Diecks who passed away 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. It is this unselfish act and spirit of service that typified the man and celebrated annually with the presentation of the 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 a place of honor in the Varsity Marching Band facility. The glory 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.

The Spirit Award places a burden on its recipient, best illustrated by Dr. Jonas Salk, who, when honored for his leadership in the development of the polio vaccine at the University of Pittsburgh, said:

"The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more."

The inaugural "Rox" award was given to Aaron "Jughead" Forsythe in 1992. Since then, the annual winners have been:

2007: Todd "Tweeks" Saulle

2006: Peter "Dusty" Kotowski

2005: Daniel "Doogy" Steed

2004: William "Quasimodo" Lynes

2003: Chad "Crazy Legs" Heffner

2002: Daniel "P.B." Shubert

2001: Tyler "KoKo" Brown

2000: Anton "Gotti" Sestile

1999: Kevin "Tackleberry" Kropf

1998: Jonathon "Wormser" Voda

1997: Brad "White Trash" Root

1996: Chris "Twinkie" Ruhe

1995: Mark "T. Bag" Romito

1994: Mike "Shazam" Bailey

1993: Matt "Bird" Bille

External links

* [http://sites.google.com/site/universityofpittsburghdrumline/Home Pitt Drumline]
* [http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=PittDrumline Pitt Drumline on YouTube]