Cypress Christian SchoolDrumline
Want to be a fun and exciting part of the football and basketball seasons, as well as compete at the TAPPS State competition? Auditions are held in the spring for placement on the drumline for the following year.
Drumline is a huge commitment as students will be required to attend after-school rehearsals throughout the week in the fall semester, be required to attend and play at all varsity home football games, as well as travel to all varsity away football games. Small ensembles will be formed to play at select basketball games as well.
For more information, please contact Drumline Director Christopher Witschonke.
2019-2020 Drumline & Hornline Information
- Auditions & Audition Preparation
- Practices
- Size of Drumline & Hornline
- Cost of Participation
- Football Game Performances
- Basketball Game Performances
- Competition Performances
- Other Performances
- Varsity Letter
- Private Lessons
- Drumline Challenge System
Auditions & Audition Preparation
Auditions will not be utilized to determine if a student is a member of the Drumline or Hornline. Instead they will be used to place students on an appropriate instrument. Auditions will involve the students performing two pieces of music. One piece will be given to the students ahead of time, they will be asked to site read the other piece at the audition.
Auditions will take place during the week of April 29, after school. More information about signing up for auditions will be coming later.
Beginning in the month of April, students will have the opportunity to learn more about the various instruments and decide if they would like to audition for Drumline or Hornline.
These preparation workshops will teach the student to read music, play an instrument properly and how to play together as a member of a larger group. Attendance at these workshops is not required, but it is highly suggested for those students with little prior experience or those wanting to improve their skills prior to auditions.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
April 1 Drumline 3-3:30 Hornline 3:30-5 |
April 2 Hornline 3-3:30 Drumline 3:30-5 |
April 3 Hornline 3:30-5 |
April 4 Drumline 3:30-5 |
April 5 No Workshops |
|
April 8 Drumline 3-3:30 Hornline 3:30-5 |
April 9 Hornline 3-3:30 Drumline 3:30-5 |
April 10 Hornline 3:30-5 |
April 11 Drumline 3:30-5 Parent Meeting 7-8 |
April 12 No Workshops |
|
April 15 Drumline 3-3:30 Hornline 3:30-5 |
April 16 Hornline 3-3:30 Drumline 3:30-5 |
April 17 Hornline 3:30-5 |
April 18 Drumline 3:30-5 |
April 19 No School |
|
April 22 No School |
April 23 Hornline 3-3:30 Drumline 3:30-5 |
April 24 Hornline 3:30-5 |
April 25 Drumline 3:30-5 |
April 26 No Workshops |
Practices
Practice for both groups will begin on August 5. Some days will be Drumline only practices, some days will be Hornline only practices. The majority of days will involve a combined practice.
Parents will be emailed during the weekend prior to inform them of the exact schedule for the coming week.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
August 5 Drumline 9-Noon Hornline 1-4 |
August 6 Hornline 9-Noon Drumline 1-4 |
August 7 Dumline Only 3:30-5:30 |
August 8 Hornline Only 3:30-5:30 |
August 9 Combined 3:30-5:30 |
|
August 12 Drumline Only 3:30-5:30 |
August 13 Hornline Only 3:30-5:30 |
August 14 Combined 3:30-5:30 |
August 15 Combined 3:30-5:30 |
August 16 Blue & White Night |
Football Season
Members will be expected to be at their assigned practices. If a performer needs to miss for any reason, they need to contact the director ahead of time.
Practices will be held regularly through September. Beginning in October, more time will be devoted to the Drumline’s Competition Block as they prepare for the TAPPS State Competition and Drum Along the Brazos. The director will email students and parents prior to each school week so they will know the practices scheduled for the week.
Practices during the football season will be reduced following the TAPPS State Competition. Students are still expected to attend practices at this time as their frequency during the week will be reduced.
Basketball Season
Practices during Basketball Season will be once a week. Students who are planning to perform at basketball games are asked to attend. Emails will go out each week about the scheduled practice and performance.
Size of Drumline & Hornline
Both the Drumline and Hornline are a “No Cut” activity. Any student who wants to participate may do so. However, there are some size considerations which will impact a student’s experience during their participation. See information on the Drumline Challenge System for explanation on how there can be no cuts within Drumline.
Drumline
For purposes of sound and overall student experience, a minimum of 10 students is needed for successful Drumline season.
Since the school is providing the Drumline instruments, a maximum of 25 students can perform at once.
When participating in competitions, the Drumline will field a maximum 17 students.
Hornline
For purposes of sound and overall student experience, a minimum of 6 students is needed for successful launch of the Hornline.
In the case of Hornline, students will either be purchasing or renting their own instruments. As the school will not be responsible for providing instruments, there is no maximum number of students allowed.
Cost of Participation
Drumline
- Activity Fee
- Purchase of Two Sets of Sticks for Assigned Drum
- 2 Rolls of White Electrical Tape
- Uniform Shoes
As members of the Drumline, students will be issued a uniform shirt and t-shirt. Students will wear either CCS uniform khaki shorts or jeans as part of their uniform as well.
Hornline
- Activity Fee
- Purchase or Rental of a Horn
- Valve / Slide Oil for Horn
- Extra Mouth Piece for Horn
- Uniform Shoes
As members of the Hornline, students will be issued a uniform shirt and t-shirt. Students will wear either CCS uniform khaki shorts or jeans as part of their uniform.
H&H Music will meet with parents on March 28 to discuss the purchase or rental of appropriate horn.
Football Game Performances
Drumline
Drumline will perform at all Varsity games, home and away. Members of the Drumline are expected to attend all of these games. If it is necessary to miss a game, a member must inform the director one week prior with an explanation.
Drumline will also perform at one home Middle School A game during the football season.
Hornline
The Hornline will perform at all Varsity games, home and away. Members of the Hornline are expected to attend all of these games. If it is necessary to miss a game, a member must inform the director one week prior with an explanation.
The Hornline will also perform at one home Middle School A game during the football season.
Basketball Game Performances
Drumline
The Drumline will perform at all home Varsity basketball games (both men’s and women’s). However, participation at this event will be limited to 4 performers at a time.
Students will be asked to sign up and perform at games for which they are available. The expectations are that all members of Drumline be full participating members during the Fall sports season. As basketball is a Winter sport, students may participate in other sports and help out at the basketball games as they are available.
Hornline
The Hornline will perform at all home Varsity basketball games (both men’s and women’s). However, participation at this event will be limited to 4 performers at a time.
Students will be asked to sign up and perform at games for which they are available. The expectations are that all members of Hornline be full participating members during the Fall sports season. As basketball is a Winter sport, students may participate in other sports and help out at the basketball games as they are available.
Competition Performances
Drumline
Members of the Competition Block** are expected to participate in the TAPPS State Competition to be held in October and the Drum Along The Brazos competition to be held in November. If a student is a member of the Competition Block, they are committing to both of these competitions. DAtB is generally held on the second Saturday of November in College Station.
If there is enough interest, Drumline will participate in a Heritage Festival weekend trip. Participation in this event is strictly voluntary as it comes with an extra cost for the student.
If individual students or groups of students, from within Drumline are interested, the director will work with them so that they may participate in the TAPPS Solo and Ensemble performances.
** See the Drumline Challenge Section for further explanation of the Competition Block
Hornline
For the first season, the Hornline will not participate in the TAPPS Marching Band Competition.
If there is enough interest, the Hornline will participate in a Heritage Festival weekend trip. Participation in this event is strictly voluntary as it comes with an extra cost for the student.
If individual students or groups of students, from within the Hornline are interested, the director will work with them so that they may participate in the TAPPS Solo and Ensemble performances.
Other Performances
Drumline
From time to time Drumline may be requested to perform at a variety of events. Such events are considered strictly voluntary. It is always fun to gather together and make a joyful noise. However, if this performance interferes with other sporting events, school expectations or family activities, then members of the drumline are excused.
Hornline
From time to time Hornline may be requested to perform at a variety of events. Such events are considered strictly voluntary. It is always fun to gather together and make a joyful noise. However, if this performance interferes with other sporting events, school expectations or family activities, then members of the hornline are excused.
Varsity Letter
Private Lessons
It is highly recommended that students work with a private instructor to improve their performance ability. While the director will work with students as much as possible during rehearsals on their performance technique and skill, working one-on-one with an instrument expert will have a greater impact on each individual’s skill level.
All of these are possible resources found through a web search of the area. If you are interested in having private lessons, these resources are provided as a starting point, and should not be considered as an endorsement in any way.
Drum Lesson Resources:
Steve Allision (drum instructor who helps with the drumline) – texdrum@gmail.com to inquire
Cy-Fair Music and Arts – http://www.cyfairmusicandarts.com/drum-lessons.html
Cypress School of Rock – (281)304-7625 or http://experience.schoolofrock.com
In Home Music Teachers – (713)429-5152 or http://houston.inhomemusicteachers.com
Taylor Robinson Music Lesson https://www.taylorrobinsonmusic.com/tx/cypress/drum-lessons.thml
Trumpet Lesson Resources:
Musika – https://www.musikalessons.com/trumpet-lessons-houston-tx
Take Lessons – http://takelessons.com/tx/cypress/music-lessons
Music Teachers Directory – http://musicteachersdirectory.org/USA/TX/Cypress-Music-Teachers-Texas-Music-Lessons
Cy-Fair Music and Arts – http://www.cyfairmusicandarts.com
Trombone Lesson Resources:
Take Lessons – http://takelessons.com/tx/cypress/music-lessons
Music Teachers Directory – http://musicteachersdirectory.org/USA/TX/Cypress-Music-Teachers-Texas-Music-Lessons
Cy-Fair Music and Arts – http://www.cyfairmusicandarts.com
Drumline Challenge System
While every student who would like to be in Drumline may do so, there are some size restrictions that Drumline will follow moving forward:
Maximum Size of Drumline at TAAPS contests and other competitions:
6 – Snare Drums 3 – Tenor Drums
5 – Bass Drums 3 – Cymbals
**Depending on student skill and competition pieces being performed that number may be reduced.
Maximum Size of Drumline at all Football Games, Pep Rallies and other CCS Events:
8 – Snare Drums 4 - Tenors
7 – Bass Drums 6 – Cymbals
So how can Drumline have no cuts if there are maximum size considerations?
Bands, Orchestras, Drumlines and other performing groups will traditionally rank each member of each section. The best player in the Snare Drums would be called ‘First Chair Snare Drum.’ However, this ranking is based solely on a performer’s audition and is not fixed throughout a performance season.
During a performance season, members of a section are allowed to challenge those sitting in a higher chair. A director may ask the Second Chair player to perform a section of music and then ask the First Chair player to perform the same section of music. In the director’s judgement, if the Second Chair player performs better at that time, that player becomes First Chair and the formerly First Chair player is moved down to Second Chair.
This system reminds performers that they must continue to practice and improve at their given instrument. Simply because they performed well at an audition does not mean they do not need to continue working hard and practicing throughout the season to improve their performances.
With this system in mind, Drumline would rank the members of each section in the following manner.
Competition Block
Snares - Chair 1-6
Tenors - Chair 1-3
Bass - Chair 1-5
Cymbals - Chair 1-3
Performance Block
Snares - Chair 1-8
Tenors - Chair 1-4
Bass - Chair 1-7
Cymbals - Chair 1-6
Reserve Block
Any player beyond the Performance Block Chairs would be assigned to the Reserve Block.
Any member wishing to challenge and move up from their current position needs to inform the director before practice on Monday. The director will begin practice by selecting a member who sits in a higher chair for the member to challenge.
Each player will perform a piece selected by the director, and the one judged to have played the piece with better accuracy and musicality will become the higher chair of the two.
Any player who has been challenged and asked to moved down in ranking may request to challenge and move back up the following Monday.
All challenges to move into the Competition Block must take place before October 1. After that date, the Competition Block is locked in preparation for the TAPPS State Competition.
Who is selected to be challenged?
Generally the player ranked immediately ahead of the challenging student will be selected by the director to be challenged. However, if a higher ranked performer has:
•Missed several practices in the previous weeks
•Shown a poor attitude during practice
•Missed the previous week’s football game
•Or a combination of any of these
That higher ranked performer may be selected for challenge that week instead of the performer ranked immediately ahead of the challenger.
An Important Note About Challenges:
Every student who auditions for Drumline is a full member of the Drumline. They are expected to participate in practices, attend home football games with the Drumline and travel to away games with the Drumline.
Every member of the Drumline will have an opportunity to earn a varsity letter based on their participation, no matter if they are in the Competition Block, Performance Block or Reserve Block.