What does a day in the life of the UMass Drumline look like?
Steve Weiss Music recently spent a rehearsal day in Amherst, following the ensemble from Grinnell Arena—home of the UMass Drumline—to the practice field. Led by Associate Director Ian Hale, the video offers a behind-the-scenes look at daily rehearsals, subsectionals, truck loading, and the traditions that have made UMass one of the nation’s premier collegiate percussion programs.
Along the way, Hale reflects on the program’s deep roots, the legacy of Thom Hannum, and the iconic “5” jacket that has connected generations of UMass drummers for decades.
The video concludes with a performance of Dis’ Place This, the UMass Drumline’s 2024 percussion feature from Dave Weckl’s Hard Wired.
Whether you’re a percussionist, alumnus, or simply curious about what makes the UMass Drumline special, this is a fascinating look inside one of the band’s most celebrated traditions.