About Drumline Level Up

Drumline Level Up

Music Education takes a village.

As a percussion judge, the most common question I hear at critique—especially from novice units—is, “What resources are available to help my drumline?”

Too often, I see programs with limited budgets and staff — the financial strangulation of music and the performing arts in modern education is a harsh reality. Yet, amid these challenges, you—the dedicated directors and instructors—are the shining beacons of hope, providing your students with a quality education and performance opportunities.

The problem? Finding relevant, high-quality information tailored to your program’s level isn’t always easy. Drumline Level Up is here to change that.

This site is your go-to resource for free, high-quality materials designed to help ensembles at every stage. Whether you’re building the fundamentals with beginners or refining a championship-caliber unit, you’ll find the tools you need to grow.

Let’s level up together!

  • Free, high-quality materials designed for ensembles at every level, prepared by an instructor and adjudicator with over 35 years of experience in the activity.
  • A comprehensive technique guide to help your students develop a unified approach to their instruments.
  • Progressive warm-ups and exercise that grow with your students.
  • Explanations, methodologies, and pitfalls for each piece are included.
  • Full scores, companion MP3’s, and parts for different bass drum configurations.
  • Did I mentioned it’s free?

Music education needs to be accessible. Period.

The benefits of music and arts education for children have been studied, measured, and debated for years. One thing is clear: involvement in music and the performing arts helps students grow into better individuals. They learn personal accountability, teamwork, discipline, and the value of hard work. I want to contribute to that by providing a free resource to help directors and instructors strengthen their programs.
Rob Wiltbank
Founder, Drumline Level Up

About Rob Wiltbank

A Delaware native, Rob began his journey in the marching arts in high school before becoming a blue chip member of Jersey Surf, where he marched tenors, bass, and snare from 1990 to 1994. He later served as the captain of the University of Delaware snare line and marched snare in the undefeated drumline of the Westshoremen Drum & Bugle Corps (Harrisburg, PA), helping secure a 2nd place corps finish at the 1995 DCA World Championships.

After his drum corps career, Rob performed with various ensembles, including the Diamond State Concert Band, Brandywine Pops Orchestra, and Dover Symphony. Beyond percussion, he showcased his versatility as a musician, playing guitar, mandolin, tin whistle, and bodhrán in his traditional Irish band, The High Roads, across the tri-state area.

Staying true to his marching roots, he returned to perform with the Westshoremen Alumni Corps in 2009 and later played snare in the inaugural Philadelphia Eagles Drumline (2010) and the Baltimore Ravens Drumline (2016). As a dedicated music educator for over 35 years, Rob has served as Percussion Caption Head and Arranger for multiple Delaware high school programs and Imperial Sound Drum & Bugle Corps, leading them to numerous championship titles.

Currently, Rob is the Staff Coordinator and a snare technician for the Imperial Dynasty Arts Program, competing in the WGI and MAPS circuits. He’s the Director of Percussion at Delaware Tech. He’s a member of the Vic Firth and Zildjian Education Teams, and Rob is also a member of the National Judges Association, certified to adjudicate Percussion Music, Percussion Effect, Indoor Winds, and General Effect Music. Additionally, he serves as a Percussion Judge Trainer, mentoring new judge candidates.