A drumline without a snare drummer would be plainly ridiculous.

In a drumline, the snare drum serves as the baritone sound, filling in above the low pitch of the bass drums, and rounded on top by the high pitch of the tenor drums. It is the core, substance, and meat of any percussion section. This is particularly true of a marching band, in which the snare drums are the steady, rhythmic sound so characteristic of a march. However, the fundamental sound of a marching snare drum has far advanced within the past century. Any skilled snare drummer nowadays is expected highly to be a master of rudimental drumming and drumming technique.

The percussive mastery exhibited by the Cal Snare Drums during march-up, in the stands, and on the field is a mixture of crisp military features, fatty grooves, and consistent accompaniment to the other sections. Every single tap, stroke, roll, diddle, accent, and stick twirl put forth by the talented hands of the snare line is something that only countless practice hours can produce.

As in many other drumlines, our snare drums are the proverbial leaders of the group; it is a snare drummer who calls up our warm-ups and cadences, taps off, and determines when we close. In these and many other ways, the snares provide leadership to help keep the percussion section musically focused and goal-oriented.

When the Cal Snare Drums perform, bright golden C's adorn their drums. With the influx of talent within these past few years, the California Spirit has never sounded so fresh and so clean.

Equipment:
(The University of California Snare Drum Line has signed no endorsements, and does not necessarily recommend nor discourage use of the following equipment.)