Spring Break
Here come the drums: Drumline to perform at men's game
Parini Shah
Issue date: 2/27/09 Section: Focus
Don't be fooled; spring semester isn't a halftime break for the UConn Drumline. Every year after the football team hangs up its cleats, the Drumline heads back to the music building to work on technique, skills and rhythm for the upcoming season. Many of the students in the Drumline get an opportunity to switch or try new instruments under the direction of Marvin McNeil, assistant director of athletics bands, and Chris Horvat, percussion instructor and arranger.
Every year the Drumline gets its hands on some bits and pieces of music to try for the following fall, but they never get to showcase it. This year, for the first time, the UConn Drumline's hard work and dedication can be seen at Saturday's men's basketball game versus Notre Dame.
Steve Fortin, a 4th-semester business major, said he's excited to perform.
"I'm looking forward to just getting out there. We've done a lot of cool shows and have traveled to places like Charlotte, N.C., and Toronto, and this performance is different than the rest. It will be awesome to play in the Gampel atmosphere."
Ryan Brady, a 6th-semester psychology major, agreed.
"I'm looking forward to making as much noise as humanly possible in the Pavilion," he said.
According to McNeil, the opportunity to perform was given to them through a conversation with Lisa Turner, assistant director of athletic marketing and promotions.
"We were able to secure an opportunity for the Drumline to perform at a UConn basketball event. With an already entertaining line up of halftime acts throughout the season we are very appreciative to be included in that lineup, especially during such a big game day," McNeil said.
"It would be different and interesting to see something new, since [the halftime shows] get pretty repetitive. And it's a UConn group, also. I am excited to see what they have in store," said Michelle Maher, a 6th-semester anthropology major.
What's in store depends on who you ask. While some, like Fortin, are tight lipped, calling it a "surprise," others are a bit more talkative. Horvat, who is also a UConn Drumline Alum, said that the show would have "some of the cheers at the football games, as well as some grooves to show off some tricks. It is more geared towards entertainment. The whole idea is to get the crowd up and excited."
Every year the Drumline gets its hands on some bits and pieces of music to try for the following fall, but they never get to showcase it. This year, for the first time, the UConn Drumline's hard work and dedication can be seen at Saturday's men's basketball game versus Notre Dame.
Steve Fortin, a 4th-semester business major, said he's excited to perform.
"I'm looking forward to just getting out there. We've done a lot of cool shows and have traveled to places like Charlotte, N.C., and Toronto, and this performance is different than the rest. It will be awesome to play in the Gampel atmosphere."
Ryan Brady, a 6th-semester psychology major, agreed.
"I'm looking forward to making as much noise as humanly possible in the Pavilion," he said.
According to McNeil, the opportunity to perform was given to them through a conversation with Lisa Turner, assistant director of athletic marketing and promotions.
"We were able to secure an opportunity for the Drumline to perform at a UConn basketball event. With an already entertaining line up of halftime acts throughout the season we are very appreciative to be included in that lineup, especially during such a big game day," McNeil said.
"It would be different and interesting to see something new, since [the halftime shows] get pretty repetitive. And it's a UConn group, also. I am excited to see what they have in store," said Michelle Maher, a 6th-semester anthropology major.
What's in store depends on who you ask. While some, like Fortin, are tight lipped, calling it a "surprise," others are a bit more talkative. Horvat, who is also a UConn Drumline Alum, said that the show would have "some of the cheers at the football games, as well as some grooves to show off some tricks. It is more geared towards entertainment. The whole idea is to get the crowd up and excited."
Be the first to comment on this story