Music Department Loans Instruments To Carolina Panthers

When the Carolina Panthers PurrCussion DrumLine was looking for instruments to use for some new arrangements during the 2016 preseason, it turned to Limestone College.

The PurrCussion DrumLine appears at every Panthers home game in Charlotte. The group performs for fans outside Bank of America Stadium, helps to introduce Panthers players prior to kickoffs, rallies the crowd during the games, and more. PurrCussion features a combination of groove, chops, visuals, choreography, and dynamics to entertain Panthers fans.

“Last summer, staff with the Panthers entertainment department reached out to ask if they could borrow our steel pans to perform during one of their preseason games and for an appearance at their Training Camp Kickoff Party event in Spartanburg,” said Dr. Patrick Carney, an Associate Professor of Music Education and Director of Bands at Limestone. “The PurrCussion staff used the equipment during July and August. It was fantastic seeing our steel pans entertaining thousands of fans, and the exposure that Limestone received in the game day programs was tremendous exposure for us.

“The Panthers made a financial donation to the Limestone College iPan program for using our equipment, and took great care of them,” Carney added. “It’s certainly our desire to continue this association with the PurrCussion DrumLine in the future.”

Drawing talent from across the Carolinas, the PurrCussion ensemble typically consists of snare drums, tenor drums, bass drums, and cymbal players. The 30-member drumline incorporates a variety of percussion backgrounds, disciplines, and styles, ranging from university marching bands and drum corps to self-trained musicians.

“We were very thankful for the collaboration from Limestone College to make our idea of bringing the sounds of steel drums to a Panthers game day a reality,” said Jason Meyer, a PurrCussion DrumLine Assistant. “Dr. Carney was a fantastic supporter of the idea and worked wonderfully with us. We hope to continue a relationship with the Limestone Department of Music for future collaborations.”