Recruit players to play tenor drums, which are pitched drums that typically come in sets of four to six drums, each of a different size. Each player plays his own set, and each set is the same as the others. Drumlines typically feature three tenor players, depending on the number of drummers available and funds. Tenors are often considered the most challenging of the drums in the drumline, except perhaps for the snare drums.
Bring in qualified players to play the snare drum. Drumlines typically have about six snare drum players, a figure that can vary, again, based on drummer availability and funding. As with tenors, snare drums require a high level of expertise, typically more than is necessary to play the snare drum in a concert band setting.
Recruit players to play the bass drum. Each player plays one bass drum and each bass drum is a different size. Drumlines typically have five or six bass drum players, a number that can vary based on drummer availability and funds. The bass drum is less challenging than the snare drum or tenor drums, but more challenging than cymbals. Assigning individuals to play the various-sized bass drums is a decision often based on the individual's size, with smaller drummers generally being assigned to smaller bass drums.
Find players to play cymbals. Each player plays a pair of matching-sized cymbals. You can use different sizes among the cymbals players, but be sure each player is playing a matching pair. Drumlines often have three to five cymbal players. Cymbals are generally considered the easiest of the drumline parts.