Warhawk drum line makes history with Yamaha endorsement
October 15, 2016
Written by Marisa LaBello | Photos by Craig Schreiner
The UW-Whitewater Marching Band Drum Line is shown performing at Perkins Stadium following the football game between UW-Whitewater and Morningside College on Saturday, September 24, 2016.
Rhythmic patterns, powerful accents and melodic content fill Perkins Stadium as the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater marching band takes the field during a halftime performance. By evoking pride and tradition, they are recognized as a catalyst for school spirit. Now, they have made state history.
Yamaha, a multinational conglomerate company and the world's largest manufacturer of musical instruments, specifically known for brass and percussion, endorsed the UW-Whitewater drum line with a level of excellence this fall.
UW-Whitewater is the first Wisconsin school to garner this endorsement.
"This endorsement speaks volumes about the students' work like all areas on campus that achieve success," said Glenn Hayes, director of bands at UW-Whitewater.
The top drum corps in the world use Yamaha, according to Hayes, and this endorsement puts UW-Whitewater in the same ranks as larger universities such as the University of Arizona.
Hayes gives credit to Tobie Wilkinson, associate director of the Warhawk Marching Band, who has earned national respect for his efforts as percussion instructor and arranger for the ensemble.
"We are extremely lucky to have Tobie," Hayes said. "It is single-handedly because of what he has done for the whole percussion program that has made our success so remarkable."
Wilkinson became part of the Warhawk family 15 years ago, and since then, the drum line has quadrupled in size from eight to 24 drummers. The program is open to all students and Wilkinson fosters unity through an emphasis on teamwork.
Aside from the quality of teaching, the UW-Whitewater drum line has sustained a strong work ethic as well.
"Students not only have to strive, but they need to maintain it," Hayes said. "It's about always improving and pushing that envelope and not settling."
From bass drums and tenors to snare drums, students in the drum line demonstrate their discipline and passion as they carry anywhere from 25 to 50 pounds of equipment during a performance, all while perfecting timing and movement with the other drummers.
The marching band holds summer camps before move-in day and a minimum of four hours of practices per week during the year.
There are opportunities to witness the dedication of the Warhawk Marching Band with at least two home games left in the football season. They will take the field during halftime this Saturday, Oct. 22, at Perkins Stadium during the Homecoming game against UW-Stevens Point.