Upper Darby High School

Indoor Drumline

The Indoor Drumline performs during the winter months as a way for the percussion members to stay sharp, and to also learn more advanced techniques. The group starts in December and performs through late April or early May.

The activity of Indoor Drumline dates back to the mid 1970's. It was originally designed as an activity to bridge the time between marching band seasons. Groups practiced in gyms all over the country. The gym floor was used as a guide for movement and drill design. Instead of a band, the melodic percussion instruments such as marimba, xylophone, and vibraphone played the melodies. The marching percussion instruments marched around the floor showing off technical ability.

In the early 1980's however, the activity took a turn to a different style. The traditional style was dropped for a more "Artistic" style. Groups began to use backdrops, floor coverings, and props to create a more "Broadway Show" type approach. This is what would eventually become the activity that we know today as Indoor Drumline.

Today, high schools and independent groups all over the world practice hard to compete in this activity. WGI (Winter Guard International) was developed as a central circuit for all groups to compete in. Local circuits such as TIDA, CIDA, MAIN, and KIDA also arose. This is truly international activity with groups from the USA, China, Japan, Holland, England, and other countries participating in competition.

What truly sums this activity is the motto that WGI uses : "Sport of the Arts"

2000 - TIA & CIDA Indoor World Percussion Champions

2001 - TIA Indoor World Percussion Bronze Medalists

2002 - TIA Indoor World Percussion Silver Medalists

2002 - MAPS Indoor World Percussion Silver Medalists

2004 - TIA Indoor World Percussion Bronze Medalists

2004 - WGI Regional : Norristown, PA - 1st place Open Percussion

2005 - WGI Regional : Stratford, CT - 1st place Open Percussion

2005 - WGI Championships : Dayton, OH - 13th place Open Percussion (semi-finalist)

2005 - TIA Indoor World Percussion Champions

2006 - MAPS Indoor Open Percussion Champions

2006 - WGI Championships : Dayton, OH - 18th place Open Percussion (semi-finalist)

2006 - TIA Indoor World Percussion Champions

2007 - MAPS Indoor Open Percussion Champions

2007 - WGI Championships : Dayton, OH - 13th place Open Percussion (semi-finalist)

2007 - TIA Indoor World Percussion Champions

2008 - MAPS Indoor World Percussion Silver Medalists

2008 - WGI Championships : Dayton, OH - 10th place Open Percussion (finalist)

2008 - TIA Indoor World Percussion Champions

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