K-Staters pump up the crowd as part of the Kansas City Chiefs drumline
It’s game day on GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, and that means it’s
showtime for Aaron Moore ’21, Christian Martinez ’18 and Nelson Grosskopf (former
student). Decked out in brilliant red, they’re about to perform for an audience of
more than 70,000 as members of the Kansas City Chiefs drumline, better known as “The
Rumble.”
It’s a feeling like no other — the atmosphere is electric, the fans are hyped, and
the sound of the Rumble thunders through the stadium. It’s an environment these three
Wildcats were well prepared for, thanks to their days in the K-State Marching Band.
We asked Moore, Martinez and Grosskopf to share what they’re most looking forward
to this season as new members of the Rumble drumline, and how their K-State experience
made this possible:
🏈 Aaron Moore ’21
What are you most excited about/looking forward to in your first season with the Chiefs
Rumble?
I am most excited about hearing the roar of the crowd because Arrowhead is known as
the loudest stadium in the NFL.
How have practices/prep work been going so far?
Practices have been very intense, but also rewarding. We learn a large amount of music
in a short time period. The veteran players in the group have been extremely helpful
making sure we are all prepared.
How did your time with the K-State Marching Band prepare you for this experience?
K-State's marching band prepared me for the amount of energy and showmanship that
has to be brought to every performance.
🏈 Christian Martinez ’18
What are you most excited about/looking forward to in your first season with the Chiefs
Rumble?
I am excited to perform on a drumline again for the first time since being on the
K-State snare line in 2018, and am very much looking forward to playing for the huge
crowd at Arrowhead while cheering on the Chiefs! Also looking forward to getting a
Super Bowl ring (fingers crossed)!
How have practices/prep work been going so far?
It’s been a lot of hard work, but it’s been very fun and rewarding as a first-year
member being in a room full of talented performers who continually push me to improve
myself. Learning over a dozen cadences/cheers on two different instruments (cymbals
and marching snare) has been a challenging yet enjoyable experience, and it’s been
going well!
How did your time with the K-State Marching Band prepare you for this experience?
My time at K-State was invaluable. I learned how to have a great work ethic, be optimistic
no matter the circumstances, and to persevere no matter how hard it gets. My last
two years being on the leadership team in the K-State Marching Band also improved
my ability to play not only as an individual, but as an ensemble/team. My experience
at K-State also got me used to the stadium environment of a winning football team!
Go ’Cats!
🏈 Nelson Grosskopf (former student)
What are you most excited about/looking forward to in your first season with the Chiefs
Rumble?
To represent for my hometown team and experience the culture that is the K.C. Rumble!
How have practices/prep work been going so far?
They have been great, learning the music and getting to know the line has been the
highlight of my summer for sure.
How did your time with the K-State Marching Band prepare you for this experience?
I really took the idea of musicianship and interactive performance, that is so important
in the K-State Marching Band, and use that every time we perform!