Spirit of Gold Drumline
The Spirit of Gold Drumline consists of musicians from a variety of universities and backgrounds. While the drumline performs with the rest of the Spirit of Gold marching band during the regular football season, other opportunities also present themselves such as playing during the basketball season under the title of DoreSlam and gigs off campus. The drumline stays in form throughout the year through getting together outside the normal rehearsals as well as doing video assignments on Facebook. The members of the drumline also get together and have fun outside of rehearsal creating a real family atmosphere. All the work and dedication, as well as bonding, does pay off though, and this represents itself in a commonly used phrase among members of the drumline: “It is fun to be good.”
REHEARSALS
Rehearsals are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 - 6:30 PM and Fridays from 5:30 to 7: 3 0 PM. Additional rehearsals on Saturday mornings prior to home games ( timing varies depending on kickoff time and other pregame events ). Practices are held at either McGugin Athletic Fields, the indoor field house in the Student Recreation Center, or on Dudley Field at Vanderbilt Stadium.
BAND CAMP
Band Camp is held a week before classes begin and includes extensive training in marching and playing at the college level. In addition to regular rehearsals, there are lots of social activities planned throughout the week to give students a chance to relax and meet new friends! The band's early arrival on campus provides each individual an opportunity to get settled in the residence halls, rent books, make tons of new friends, and adjust to a new environment and a new independence before classes begin. Attendance at camp is mandatory.
INSTRUMENTATION
The Spirit of Gold Drumline includes...
- Marching Snare
- Marching Tenors (Quads)
- Marching Bass Drum
- Marching Cymbals
PERCUSSION AUDITIONS
Drumline auditions take place immediately before band camp. Those interested may register for online Drumline practice sessions, which will begin in the spring.
TRAVEL
The Spirit of Gold Drumline typically travels to at least one away game each season (if the game is held in Knoxville, we will travel to the Tennessee game).
The Spirit of Gold Drumline will also travel to any post-season bowl games.
Travel and food are provided at no cost to the students.
COST
Members get paid to be a part of the Vanderbilt Drumline! While there is an initial nominal fee to join the Spirit of Gold Marching Band ( which covers uniform cleaning, t-shirt, band banquet, and some social events ) students receive a $750.00 Service Award at the end of the season. Additional items for purchase include extra gloves, black marching band shoes, and maintenance of your personal instrument. All other uniform items and travel costs ( hotels, meals, etc. ) are provided free to all members. Instruments, drumheads, and sticks are also provided free to all members of the Spirit of Gold Drumline.
@VandyDrumline