Greetings!
Welcome to the Hubbard High School Drumline, one the most recognizable sections of the “Musical Pride of Hubbard”. Some things to consider as we begin to prepare for the 2025-26 season: you are the first section playing on the field for both pregame and halftime. It’s your playing that brings the band onto the field, this means that you are the audible heartbeat of the band. These all are the traditions and responsibilities that you will learn to embrace as a member of the Hubbard High School Drumline. This group has a reputation for being one of the best drumlines in the area and it is up to us to put the work into continuing that rich tradition.
So, what is expected? We can start with the off-season. During the spring and summer practices you will quickly learn that the offseason is an important first step to reaching our potential. You will improve your playing abilities (rudimentary, technique, muscle memory and endurance) as well as begin to learn and memorize a large number of pieces, both full-band and drumline-specific. You will prepare your body for the coming season – what we do is physically demanding and exhausting at times. Maintaining physical fitness is necessary, as without it, your performance will suffer and the whole line suffers with you. During the season, you will keep up with new music that is distributed, retain and practice the previously learned material, continue to improve chops, and adapt to the “Musical Pride of Hubbard” techniques of movement on the field. You will rehearse, perform, and behave at a professional level.
I truly want to thank you for choosing to become a part of the Hubbard Drumline. All seriousness aside, this will be one of the most memorable times of your life. Band Camp, Home and Away Football Games, Playoff Games, Trips, etc. can all turn into moments you will remember the rest of your life. There’s plenty to get excited about! Performing with this ensemble is incredible and being with the members that make it up, even more so. Every day is an opportunity for you to make music with your friends, so make the best of it and work hard.
I have 3 Goals for this season and I ask all of you to buy into the process to achieve them all:
1. Develop Individual Musicianship (Playing and Reading)
2. Develop Strong Sections (Snares, Basses, Tenors, & Cymbals)
3. Develop a Strong Ensemble
Music will be distributed to the students over the last few weeks of the school year and digital copies will be available as well. Members will be required to have hard copies or large size digital copies (tablet, iPad, NO CELL PHONES) of music with them at all summer rehearsals, Band Camp, and during the upcoming school season. When equipment is assigned, it is your responsibility to keep it the same condition in which it is assigned. I do realize the drums and cymbals are not brand new, so if any repairs are needed it is up to you to bring it to the attention of the directing staff in a timely manner so they can be fixed. Accidents happen, I know this and you know this but what is important is you pay extra attention to try and avoid them. Double check your stand/harness before you attach your drum and make sure the mounts on the drums are secure. Make sure to use proper technique while playing the drums as that will help to maintain both drum head and stick/mallet health.
Finally, we’re here to have fun and make music. It is my responsibility to do everything in my ability to help you improve yourself and develop the group to the standards of the “Musical Pride of Hubbard”. It is your responsibility to put forth the effort and understand the self-accountability that it takes improve yourself and develop the group to the set standards. You’ll come to realize that I am an Ohio State fan, as I’m an alumnus of both the university and its marching band, so I want to leave you with a quote from former football coach Urban Meyer, "It is so easy to be average, it just takes effort to be something be special....why be average?".
I’m looking forward to a great season, I hope you all expect the same!
-Scott Killian, Percussion Instructor
E-Mail: KillianS@Hubbard.K12.OH.US
