Cougar Marching Band Drumline
Photo by Matthew Jonas
The Drumline is a unique and important element of the “Pride of Niwot” Cougar Marching Band. The Battery consists of snare, tenors, bass drums, and cymbals and marches on the field. The Front Ensemble (aka “Pit”) is a stationary section consisting of a variety of mallet instruments, auxiliary equipment, and guitars. The Bucket Brigade is the Front Ensemble’s secondary responsibility when playing pep-tunes and in parades. As a whole, the drumline brings intensity and excitement to the already energetic marching band.
Expectations
Prior to auditions, students should have read and agreed to the expectations set forth in the NHS Drumline Handbook. It’s primary elements focus on Communication, Respect, Responsibility, Attendance, and Attitude.
A personal note from Mr. Barto: “The handbook may be overwhelming with a lot of pages and info, however it is easily digestible and provides all info you need for the whole year. We’re happy to work with you and clarify anything we can!”
Auditions
Auditions are held in the Spring for the upcoming Fall season and are open to any 8th-11th graders who will be enrolled at NHS during the upcoming school year.
Workshops are held a few weeks prior to the Formal Audition. During the workshops, prospective members will have the opportunity to get introduced to marching percussion, specific techniques, and be able to meet other prospective members.
Anyone intending to audition (or curious about drumline) is strongly encouraged to attend these workshops. It also serves as a way for instructional staff to observe individual growth, comradery, and openness to feedback prior to the Formal Audition.
The Formal Audition will be held shortly thereafter (1-2 weeks later). This is where prospective members will demonstrate their personal growth as well as balance with other members of the line.
Varsity Letter
Members of the NHS Drumline have the opportunity to earn a Varsity Letter for their time and dedication to drumline and to musicianship.
The requirements to earn a varsity letter may vary from year to year, although an example application/set of requirements can be found on page 10 of the NHS Drumline Handbook. Note: drumline uses a different application and scoring system than the band. Don’t let it overwhelm you!
Front Ensemble plays a quick transition during the 2022 Magic in Motion halftime show
The Front Ensemble (aka “Pit”) made its debut at NHS in 2020 and has proven to be a truly unique aspect of not only the drumline, but the “Pride of Niwot” as a whole.
Auditions/ instrumentation of the Front Ensemble are dependent on fulfilments of the Battery. More info will be provided on an “as needed” basis.
The “Knights of the Bucket Brigade” made their official debut in 2024
Leadership
Drumline Captain(s) work to incorporate camaraderie between members, organize events, and orchestrate communication within the section. The captain(s) must be responsible for setting the example for all students by knowing their music, demonstrating proper conduct, having clean marching & playing technique, and knowing the general operations of the section year to year.
Squad Leaders serve as additional leadership to help lead sub-sectionals while the Drumline Instructor works with other sections.
Applications for Leadership will be accessible to current members in the Spring Semester and will require an interview with the Director(s) and Technician(s).
Scott Barto
Mr. Barto has been the Drumline Instructor at Niwot High School off and on since 2017 and officially became the Head Drumline Instructor in 2020.
He is an alumnus of Niwot and marched with the Cougar Drumline for 4 years. After graduating, he attended CU Boulder where he marched with the “Golden Buffalo” Marching Band for another 5 years and was a brother of Kappa Kappa Psi (KKΨ), the National, Co-Ed, Band Fraternity.
After Mr. Barto graduated college, Mr. Hendricks begged and pleaded for the return of their greatest drummer ever to come instruct the drumline. Thankfully, Mr. Barto agreed, but did take some time off in 2022 to participate in the Disney College Program. After Mr. Barto begged and pleaded, Mr. Hendricks graciously allowed for Mr. Barto to resume his role and duties at Niwot after his time in Florida.
Outside of drumline, Mr. Barto enjoys reading, skiing, Lego, traveling, camping, cycling, and comics.
Email: barto_scott@svvsd.org
"Jump" was originally written in 1996 by Pete Ehrmann for Niwot High School, but after the sheet music was lost it was passed along for many years by ear and went through various changes/evolutions without official sheet music to reference. In 2014, the senior drum captain, Daniel Wilcox transcribed it close to how it is played today, but other new elements have been added by Mr. Barto & years of NHS Drummers. The marching band's choreography was added in the early 2010s by the color guard captains at the time to bring even more energy to the cadence.
"Maximus" has also been a staple of the Niwot High School Drumline since the mid-2000s, and underwent minor rewrites in 2020 to make it more energetic with a beefy bass line. In 2022 when Niwot held their first football game at Niwot High School, the drumline prepared the combined version of the two cadences to play as an extended parade cadence for moving the band from one location to another with a lot of energy and style.
2022 “Pride of Niwot” Cougar Drumline plays Jump-Maximus
“We are the heart, and the soul. Without the percussion section, the band doesn’t move, doesn’t come alive. We are the pulse. And without a pulse, you’re dead….”