The All Star Drumline program has been a part of the Kitsap community since 2004. This marching ensemble is part of the Drummers Den Percussion Studio led by Terry Marsh. The group was created as a summer time activity for up and coming drummers to experience high quality music education and be part of a like-minded community. They also march in parades statewide and at local events. To date the All Star Drumline has had 200 - 300 members and has developed an outstanding reputation nationally.
In the Fall of 2021, Terry Marsh was approached by the Seattle Cascades Drum and Bugle Corps and The Northwest Youth Music Association concerning a partnership that would branch the three organizations together for mutual benefits to local youth musicians. While the details of this merger are still being worked out, one immediate impact was that the Drummers Den would be officially be recognized by drum manufacturer PEARL and be awarded an endorsement.
The timing of this endorsement couldn't have been better as Pearl is offering an extremely generous discount on the purchase of new equipment. The All Star drum gear is getting to be over a decade old and with the increased numbers of students participating in summer program camps, 40% of the equipment needed has to be borrowed from local school programs.
One of the biggest needs with the group right now is the purchase of modern drum carriers. The current carrier collection with All Star is a motley crew of various brands and styles. They are old and not very accommodating to the various body sizes involved in our youth organization.
The group is also in need of a whole set of bass drums. The current set was purchased used many years ago and the parts are starting to rust. Along with the bass drums, there is a simple need of more snare drums and another set of tenor drums as the organization doesn't have enough equipment to cover the numbers of students involved.
The Cascades partnership will lead to more camps and performance opportunities for the student drummers statewide. Our equipment will need a safe and professional way to be transported to these additional events. The current All Star trailer is very small and usually needs to be supported with an additional van or truck to get equipment to local destinations. We have outgrown it and need to purchase a proper 6'x10' cargo trailer.
This important fundraiser will help alleviate many of the growing pains that the All Star program is experiencing due to its success. At the end of the day, it's all about our youth and the amazing experiences they share during their time with the All Star Drumline.
