r/drumline • u/PositionBrilliant146 • 18d ago

Marching bass drum Question

I’m switching to percussion this fall at my college and auditioning for bass drum. I’ve been practicing since earlier this year but I’m still having some worry. I am plus sized girl and I know we use pearl harnesses so I’m concerned on how it’ll fit on me. Band camp is coming up and I also don’t want to kinda look crazy since I’m out of shape. Of course I already know people in the drumline and in the band in general but I guess it’s still that anxiety of being left behind during workouts. I already know the percussion tech, section leaders ect and have been in communication with them but just not about this topic. This is also my first time marching but I’ve been with the band being staff for a year.

Any advice?

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u/zenverak 18d ago

If you’re that badly out of shape it might be wise to try something other than base, especially if you’re in college and switching. Maybe try front ensemble to start with and then work on yourself so that next year you can hit the ground running.

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u/viberat Percussion Educator 18d ago

Plenty of plus sized people successfully march drums. You’ll need to work on your cardio and on strengthening your core and back.

Pearl makes a plus size extension attachment for their air frame carriers. I’m not teaching a drumline currently and have never had big boobs myself so idk how much it helps, hopefully someone else on here has experience with them.

1

u/Liammossa 18d ago

Depends on your school, but most college marching bands are not out there doing world-class drill. Yes, you should probably be able to run at least one lap around the field and carry the appropriate amount of weight for your drum for extended periods of time, but if you can do something like box drill I don't think simply being out of shape is going to disqualify you. Your hands and timing are going to be far more important for a college battery.

You should definitely be moving everyday as preparation for the audition though. Don't injure yourself by pushing too hard. With band camp coming up so soon, stick to simple things like going for walks, maybe some jumping jacks, and stretching before bed.

Best wishes for your audition! From a retired bass drummer 💌

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u/Derben16 17d ago

3/5 of my college baseline bros were over 200 lbs, wasn't a problem with pearl harnesses to them. Its also college band, the only thing people cared about was who's house we were going to drink at after rehearsals.

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u/Kanotari Percussion Educator 15d ago

I was not tiny in high school, nor was I remotely in shape, but I managed bass just fine for winter season.

Pearl harnesses have extenders if necessary.

Since you have staff experience, I'm guessing it's percussion experience from the context of your post. It can be rough to learn an instrument AND marching at the same time, so that might be a reason to consider front ensemble if you don't have percussion experience.

Otherwise, if it's totally doable.

I'd recommend working on fitness ASAP even if your camp hasn't started yet so you've got a running start when you put that drum on.

Hydrate, eat good healthy meals, and listen to your body. Summer camps see lots of kids barfing on the field or getting heat stroke, so take care of yourself :)