12 drummers drumming on HHS drum lines

Posted: Dec. 19, 2012

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Members of the Hamilton High School band drum line perform at school events.

Members of the Hamilton High School band drum line perform at school events.

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"On the 12th Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me 12 drummers, drumming," according to the lyrics of the classic Christmas carol, "The 12 Days of Christmas.

According to some theologians, the verse refers to the 12 points in the Apostle's Creed.

In Lake Country, you may find 12 drummers drumming in several high school band drum lines.

A drum line generally includes three types of drums: the snare drum, tenor multidrums and the bass drum, according to Hamilton High School band director Jon Waite.

Most band drum lines are made up of between eight and 12 drummers, according to Waite.

The Hamilton High School drum line performs with the Chargers marching band and the school's pep band but occasionally will perform on its own at various events.

It also often participates in competitive musical events. The Hamilton drum line received awards for being the most outstanding percussion union during the competitive marching season in the fall of 2007 and 2009, according to Waite.

A graduate of the drum line, John Okruhlica, coaches the current drum line along with Waite.

According to several sources, the "Twelve Days of Christmas" was first published in English in 1780, although there might also have been a French version.

It is a cumulative song, meaning that each verse is built on top of the previous verses. There are 12 verses, each describing a gift given by "my true love."

Some historians believe that each verse is written to remind members of the catholic faith of their doctrine.

The partridge in a pear tree refers to Jesus.

The two turtle doves are the Old and New testaments.

Three French hens are faith, hope and love, and the "four calling birds" are Matthew, Mark, Luke and John

The five golden rings are the first five books of the Bible (also known as the Pentateuch, and the Jewish Torah), and six geese a'laying represent the six days of creation.

Seven swans a swimming are the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, and eight maids a milking are the eight beatitudes.

The nine ladies dancing represent the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit, and 10 lords a'leaping are the Ten Commandments.

The 11 pipers piping are the eleven Apostles.

Other historians argue the carol has no religious meeting, and there are various versions of it sung in different countries and among different cultures.

It is thought that the first known recording of the carol was by James O. Halliwell in 1842. American folk singer Burl Ives recorded one of the first popular versions of the carol in 1951.

According to several sources, one of the most popular versions of the song was a parody "Redneck 12 Days of Christmas" recorded in 1996 by comedian Jeff Foxworthy. The version registered on popular music charts from 1996 to 2004.