Beyond the Beat: Illinois FFA Drumline

Somewhere along the way, Illinois FFA decided blue jackets weren’t enough and that drums were needed, too. And honestly, I bet the Illinois FFA Drumline is glad someone had that idea. Every year at State Convention, a group of FFA members picks up their sticks, learns multiple cadences in a matter of days, and somehow turns a room full of individual musicians into a team. Whoever decided FFA needed a drumline, the drumline personally owes them a huge thank-you.

Now, as the Illinois FFA State Drumline moves into a new chapter under director Ben Haushalter, its members are helping to carry that tradition forward while imagining what comes next.

From Idea to Tradition

The Illinois FFA State Drumline was started around 2021 by Christopher Mitchell, the band and chorus director at Blue Ridge High School. What began as Mitchell’s idea has grown into a tradition that brings FFA members from across Illinois togethe  through music, connection and teamwork. Today, the drumline serves as a cornerstone of Illinois FFA’s music program, giving student musicians the opportunity to showcase their talents at major events like the State FFA Convention. As Mitchell transitions leadership to a new director, his vision continues through the dedicated member who carry the tradition forward.

For returning members, that growth is easy to see.

When asked, “What keeps bringing you back to the state drumline?” Rebekah Butzow, a four-year FFA member and Marengo FFA Chapter alumna, could answer immediately.

“Definitely the people. I love meeting the new members and catching up with the other returning members!” Butzow said.

For Brooklyn Hardesty, a third-year FFA member from Blue Ridge FFA Chapter, joining a larger group offered a new perspective.

“It feels really cool because my drumline at home is small, so being a part of a bigger one was a huge experience,” Hardesty said.

Behind the Beat

The finished performance may last only minutes, but the preparation behind it is much greater. Members have limited time together to learn and memorize multiple cadences. Butzow said the group may have only about a day to practice together while learning four to six different cadences throughout the week.

The challenge extends beyond memorizing music. Students must quickly learn how to play together, determine parts and understand each other’s strengths.

“In our first practice, it’s hard to play well together in a room full of strangers because you don’t know anyone’s skill levels yet,” Butzow said. As rehearsals continue, those strangers become a team. Members learn each other’s parts, build confidence and form friendships that extend beyond the stage.

Jacob Hart, a fourth-year FFA member from Winchester FFA Chapter, said audiences don’t always see the decisions behind the performance, from dividing bass drum parts to choosing cadence order and deciding who will tap off each piece.

Illinois FFA State Drumline members share a moment together during convention, building friendships alongside the music. Photo by Ben Haushalter.

Where Music Meets FFA

For members, Illinois FFA State Drumline creates a place where music and agriculture come together.

Elsie Williamson, a fourth-year FFA member from Taylorville FFA Chapter, discovered the possibilities of combining music and FFA after watching a drummer tap out the colors during the National FFA Convention & Expo. That moment inspired her to pursue the opportunity herself, eventually leading to experiences with the National FFA Organization.

She considers Illinois FFA members fortunate to have access to an experience that combines their agriculture involvement with their passion for music.

For Hart, the combination of music and FFA is what makes the experience unique.

“It means so much. Getting to play music and drums inside an organization that I love so much is something that I will cherish and never forget. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience,” said Hart.

More Than “Just a Performance”

The impact of the state drumline can be heard beyond the instruments themselves.

At the Illinois FFA State Convention, the group helps create an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. Butzow called the drumline “the biggest hype, fan club ever,” describing the energy it brings to the convention.

“The drumline brings so much energy before sessions and then when we play outside on the last day, the crowd gets so involved, and it’s truly special,” Hart said.

The Illinois FFA State Drumline performs the “X-1” cadence onstage during the 2026 Illinois FFA Convention. Photo by LouEllen Harvel.

For Butzow, that connection with the audience is part of what makes performing special.

“When we go on stage, it feels like everyone in the room is cheering and supporting us!” she said.

Carrying the Tradition Forward

As the drumline enters a new chapter under director Haushalter, the future holds new possibilities. After his first year leading the group, he was proud of the students’ hard work and the music they created in such a short time. Looking ahead, he hopes to add cymbals, introduce new music and create more performance opportunities at the Illinois FFA Convention. His biggest dream is to advocate for a National FFA drumline, eventually bringing Illinois musicians to the National FFA Convention & Expo and inspiring other states to start their own.

As new members join and returning members share their experience, the tradition continues to grow. For Williamson, it is an opportunity worth preserving. For Hart, it is the energy the drumline brings to the Illinois State Convention. For Butzow, it is the people who keep members coming back.

Together, their experiences show that the Illinois FFA State Drumline is more than a performance. It is a tradition built on music, friendship and the members who continue to carry it forward. The final cadence may end the performance, but the next chapter is just beginning.