WSU drumline to perform at Seahawks game

The largest drumline in Washington State University marching band history has accepted an invitation to play center stage at Qwest Field October 23, 2005 when the Seattle Seahawks take on the Dallas Cowboys.

Washington State University is one of 3 Pac-10 schools invited to take part in the Seattle Seahawks first, annual “Blue Thunder Cup” Showcase. Drumlines from Oregon State and the University of Washington will also perform.

“Our students are all really excited to get to play with the other schools,” said Brent Edwards, a graduate student in the School of Music and Theatre Arts. A former saxophone player and drumline member of the Cougar Marching Band, Edwards is now a teaching assistant assigned to the drumline. “Normally we don’t get to play with other drumlins so this will be our time to shine.”

“Our drumline selections will likely be a little more complex than the average drumline performances,” said Don Hower, director of the Cougar Marching Band. “Most bands use the percussion music that comes with arrangements but we don’t. Brett writes all of the music for percussion so it’s more complex and doesn’t have the repetitious rhythm patterns,” said Hower. “It’s a noticeable difference.”

Drumline performances are scheduled for pre-game and at half time. Students taking part will receive tickets to watch the game and each University will receive $1,000 to defray expenses.

According to the Seahawks official Web site, Seahawks Blue Thunder was established in 2004 at Qwest Field. The drumline performs throughout the stadium before, during and after games.

WSU’s 2005 drumline consists of 27 students: 9 snares, 4 tenors, 5 bass drums and 9 cymbals.

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