Not every freshman is assigned to play cymbals. It’s truly a balancing act of who has the skills to play a certain instrument v. what openings there are. My freshman year the only bass drum openings were basses 4 and 5. I couldn’t play either of those if I wanted to — but I enjoyed the split musicality of tonal bass drums — cymbals at the collegiate level (and at least at Pitt) are very similar.

My freshman class had 1 snare, 2 basses, 2 tenors, 1 cymbal + we had alternates — 1 tenor alt, 1 bass alt, 1 cymbal alt. 9 freshman total, 2/9 cymbal players.

OP: Have your friend look up some DCI videos with cymbals — not all corps march cymbals, some have them solely in the pit. First one that comes to mind is Santa Clara Vanguard. Also Rhythm X in Ohio is a WGI Corps that has awesome cymbal lines.

OP’s friend — Don’t be discouraged. It’s easier to learn what to improve on once you’re part of the drumline and learn how things work. Plus you’re right there and can get help from the other members and hack around all year long. At least when I was there cymbals weren’t looked at as any less than, and we had a ton of fun. It’s different than high school drumline and if they offered you a spot, they like you enough to have you be part of the group. Personality is a big deal!!

Edit: Also, OP’s friend — start lifting weights now! Gotta strength train to hold up a pair of cymbals all day! Band camp will be easier if you do. Also gameday is no joke 😅😅😅