Drumlines Are Taking Over Professional Sports
Drumlines Are Taking Over Professional Sports
See the story behind the Chicago Bulls featured drumline called the Stampede and how they are transforming drumlines in professional sports.
In last 6-8 years there has been an explosion of drumlines performing for professional sports teams including the NFL, NBA, and the MLS. One of the very first in the NBA was for the Chicago Bulls called the Stampede.
The Stampede were founded by Scott Idle in 2008. The original performers were a mix of former Drum Corps members from the Cavaliers, Madison Scouts and Pioneer.
"We started the line to add another amazing feature to the entertainment of the Chicago Bulls," Ross Lipschultz of the Chicago Bulls. "It also gave professional drummers another chance to drum at a high level on an amazing stage."
Members of the Stamped perform during a Chicago Bulls halftime
Like any other marching art, the Stampede have evolved their performances since their inception. They initially tried translating that "hard corps" style of performing you would typically see from DCI groups. However they felt like that wasn't connecting to the everyday non-marching fan. So the Stampede evolved.
"So many things started to evolve from the way we moved, looked, interacted, and projected our energy," Ross said. "Our goal [is] to entertain fans and be the best at it."
They have added electronic tracks piped through the stadium's sound system and now playing along with those. Future ideas include adding live electronic music, lights, projection, and more.
The reception of the drumline has been great. Audiences are connecting more and more. Especially following the game when the drumline is able to perform/interact direct with fans as they are leaving the arena.
Now, the Stampede's performances are reaching outside the arena. They are performing at local business conferences, Bulls community events, and other music festivals like EDM duo Odesza and Lollapalooza.
Members of the Stamped perform during a Chicago Bulls halftime
The Stampede were founded by Scott Idle in 2008. The original performers were a mix of former Drum Corps members from the Cavaliers, Madison Scouts and Pioneer.
"We started the line to add another amazing feature to the entertainment of the Chicago Bulls," Ross Lipschultz of the Chicago Bulls. "It also gave professional drummers another chance to drum at a high level on an amazing stage."
Members of the Stamped perform during a Chicago Bulls halftime
Like any other marching art, the Stampede have evolved their performances since their inception. They initially tried translating that "hard corps" style of performing you would typically see from DCI groups. However they felt like that wasn't connecting to the everyday non-marching fan. So the Stampede evolved.
"So many things started to evolve from the way we moved, looked, interacted, and projected our energy," Ross said. "Our goal [is] to entertain fans and be the best at it."
They have added electronic tracks piped through the stadium's sound system and now playing along with those. Future ideas include adding live electronic music, lights, projection, and more.
The reception of the drumline has been great. Audiences are connecting more and more. Especially following the game when the drumline is able to perform/interact direct with fans as they are leaving the arena.
Now, the Stampede's performances are reaching outside the arena. They are performing at local business conferences, Bulls community events, and other music festivals like EDM duo Odesza and Lollapalooza.
Members of the Stamped perform during a Chicago Bulls halftime