The drum line has only been back on campus for a few weeks but already their practices look almost perfectly polished, except for a lack of uniforms and marching.
It s a good thing they are playing at a professional level because the Tennessee Tech drum line s members have some big plans this semester.
The big thing with the drum line is people know who we are and we re trying to build that community, said drum line member Matthew Bimstein, a senior music education major. We re trying to tighten up the community support as much as we can.
The drum line will be revamping its football appearances, including making their warm-up before the game more like a performance and adding to its collaboration with the Tennessee Tech dance team at the end of half-time, which began last year.
My big thing with the dance team is they are so talented and people just see them as part of the spirit team, Bimstein, of Nashville, said. They re very humble about it but they are as talented at dancing as we are at music.
This season s partnership will begin at the football home opener at 7 p.m. Thursday against Kentucky Christian University. It will grow and expand for the games later in the season. The performances will feature music with strong beats, especially hip-hop, and will emphasize the line s musicianship and tight playing.
The drum line will also be more visible around town this fall.
It is partnering with businesses to draw people to area events and let them find out more about what the Tennessee Tech drummers can do. Already there are plans to perform at Fall Fun Fest Sept. 5, at 10 a.m. Sept. 6 during Outdoor Experience s anniversary party and at the Market on the Square during the Christmas season.
Each of those businesses, and several others, are sponsoring the drum line. The money is going to buying equipment and other needs.
We are using the drum line as a platform for the university, where people can come out to be together, Bimstein said. We re asking them to sponsor us for the monetary value but also to help be a part of the community.