Percussion
The drum line is composed of snare drums (usually 3 or 4), bass drums (usually 3 or 4), the quads (only one), bells (only one) and cymbals (usually 2). The drums have one of the most exhausting jobs on parade. They play the entire time and they always have to be concentrating on the tempo. When a song isn't being played, they're playing a cadence and they are responsible for keeping the band all in step. They are also responsible for following commands from the Drum Majors to start the songs. The section leader is responsible for making sure that the section is playing together during the parade and decides which cadences are played. Once a player becomes more experienced, they are given the option to "move up". For example, if a bass drum player shows a lot of dedication and interest in the music, the section leader and the percussion instructor offer him/her the opportunity to learn the snare drum, which has more complex technique involved with it. There is always room for improvement no matter what instrument you play!
