From Kappa Kappa Psi

The Alpha Zeta chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi would like to take this opportunity to thank several people in this last newsletter of the 2006 season. First we'd like to thank Colonel and Dr. Popiel for a great season filled with great hijinx and hilarity. We would also like to thank all of the parents who come to the games and support the Hundred in any way, especially those who put together tailgates to feed the band from week to week. We really appreciate all of your generosity. We would also like to thank all of the senior members of the band for their many years of service and dedication to the Marching Hundred. Thanks again for a great season!

GO IU BEAT THE BOILERS!

Section Feature: The IU Drumline
An Interview with Drumline Instructor, Joel Brainard

Joel Brainard took some time to answer a few questions about the IU Drumline and his involvement in the Marching Hundred both as a student and now as a director. The IU Drumline has a reputation for excellence that is recognized across the country. Read on to learn more about Joel and the IU Drumline!

Q: How long have you been working with the IU Drumline?
This is my 9th year with the marching hundred, and my 5th year instructing.

Q: How has being a previous Hundred member helped you instruct the Drumline now?
It has made all the difference. College drumline has a different tempo and a different set of priorities then Drum Corps or even High School drumline. We are trying to motivate a football audience to have fun, cheer, clap, dance, or simply tap their foot. Technique is the foundation for everything we do. However, understanding their role in the big picture allows the IU drumline to express themselves and have fun. This is what separates them from other groups, and makes them truly worthy of their title as the "Finest Collegiate Drumline in America."

Does the drumline play music that you've written and do they also write their own?
There are basically four categories of music that the drumline plays:

Exercises and Technique Package:
I write this, including our Onfield warm-up, "Schmengiss."

Half Time Show Music:
I also write this. I usually get the show 1 to 2 weeks before we rehearse it, and have the challenge of "icing someone else's cake" for each show.

The March to the Stadium (cadences)
Some of these are written by me, but are mostly traditional IU cadences that have been passed down and altered throughout the years. "Basso" is derived from an old Star of Indiana (Drum and Bugle Corps) Cadence and "Brazilian" is an oldie from Director Wilber England's era (1980s).

Stand Ditties:
These are short excerpts that the drumline performs between football plays to nourish the crowd's energy and excitement. A lot of these are tradition, created by members and passed on through membership.

Q: What is the best personality feature of IU Drumline students?
Drumline students are groomed immediately to portray a split personality when they drum. They have their focused look of intense concentration and their off-the-wall, crowd-pleasing approach to playing which most people enjoy watching. I'm sure you've noticed their half-time antics...as they often learn the show music three days before the show, the parts are usually pretty easy for them. This is my favorite personality feature...when they're all having fun and rocking-out I know that we've achieved success.

Q: What is your favorite memory of your time marching with IU?
Who could say, there are so many. The question makes me miss all of the generations of drumline members that I have seen come and go. Each line had its own character, but each was close like a family, and it is just like visiting with family when I see them. There is a warmth, respect, common heritage, and separate collection of inside jokes with each one.

I am very fortunate to work for the Marching Hundred. I love my job. I love writing. I receive a lot of satisfaction each time I hear my parts effectively compliment the wind score. I have a great boss, and work with a great staff. I don't take that for granted! Most of all I am humbled to work with such excellent students. Each one is an individual that has strengths and talents that help me to realize that I'm not just the teacher, but the student as well. And I'll let you in on a little secret about the IU Drumline's success. It is not my leadership that gets things done...it is theirs!

Thanks Joel, and here's looking forward to seeing the IU Drumline performing again in the post-season at a bowl game with the Hoosiers!



The IU Drumline was featured last weekend at the Bands of America Grand National Championships at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Indiana. They performed cadences to lead the twelve finalist bands onto the field at the end of the competition, and gave an outstanding performance in support of the nation's finest high school band students!

The Perfect Holiday Gift: Marching Hundred Merchandise!

Support the Hundred and grab a piece of history, too!

Kappa Kappa Psi is again making a season CD and DVD available for purchase. Order the 2006 Hundred CD which includes recordings from the 2006 Showcase concert and the season DVD which features halftime performances and behind-the-scenes footage. The Hundred CD and DVD make great gifts for band members as well as family and friends!

Download the audio/video order form! (PDF)