IU Drumline gets fans pumped for game

Drums thundered, cymbals clashed and chants were shouted as the IU Drumline rallied fans Friday evening at its “Friday Night Hype” performance, a tradition before every home football game.

Just before 6:30 p.m., about 20 members of the drumline gathered at the Sample Gates. They put on a short performance in anticipation of the Hoosiers’ football game Saturday against Ball State.

Spectators gathered on the street corners to watch drumline members jump around, play each others’ drums and lead a chant of “Go IU, beat the Cardinals!” The drumline even had its owl-statue mascot, Hooter the Hoosier.

Bethany Wendt, president of Tau Beta Sigma, the honorary band sorority, said the drumline is trying to do more to get people excited.

“They’re making it a bigger thing this year,” Wendt said. “We’re trying to create more hype.”

Fans took pictures and joined in the chants, while a group of kids danced in front of the drumline and received T-shirts. Some spectators even brought their own instruments.

Bloomington resident Travis Puntarelli drummed alongside the performers and danced around with his friends.

“We’re people who like to make joy,” Puntarelli said. “We’re here for peace, revolution, change and the celebration of life.”

Whatever their reasons for attending, fans clapped at the end of the performance.

“It’s good to be alive on a Friday afternoon,” Puntarelli said.