Robert Carlin, Lou Boldrighini and John Hinojosa love creating a fun and interactive atmosphere through music. All three are former or current educators in the greater-Houston area and have spent decades teaching music and playing together.
One afternoon, over a few slices of pizza, the three longtime friends formed the ‘Dash Drummers’. Carlin, Boldrighini and Hinojosa’s friendship extends through decades and even played together in a drumline for the Texans when the NFL franchise made its return to Houston. Taking what they learned from that experience and adding their own twist to the group, the trio began playing at Dash games during the summer of 2022.
Over the last year, the group of musicians who play at the north end of Shell Energy Stadium, has grown exponentially. From three initial members to over 25, the Dash Drummers are looking to have their largest group yet on Saturday, June 3 when the Dash host Orlando Pride.
“They are all professional musicians and teachers and wanted to be a part of the new group,” Carlin said. "The people in the group are friends of mine and like to come out to support and learn a little more about soccer. Through those people the word has spread and more people come out.” Carlin says the network of Dash Drummers extends far out into the community with musicians driving from Katy, Normangee and Dickinson.
“What’s incredible is that they do a full day of teaching at schools with kids, playing in concerts and judging competitions and they still make time to come and perform at the Dash games,” Carlin said.
Carlin, whose son Cameron is a Community Engagement Manager for the Houston Dynamo and Dash, says he wanted to help create an atmosphere for the Dash that mirrored other teams in the National Women’s Soccer League and in other leagues across the world.
Boldrighini was sold on the idea immediately and wanted to give back to the community the only way he knew how, through music. The group consisting of many current band directors often have students come to the game.
“It’s a great opportunity to give back to the community and get kids involved,” Boldrighini said. "We have high school students that come out. The kids love seeing the teachers play. It gives them a sense of pride and sense of ‘I’d like to try and do that’ and they can see the joy in what we do as well.”
The group of drummers do not practice regularly due to the far distances between their homes. However, they meet in the parking lot prior to a Dash home game to catch-up personally and warm up before making their entrance into Shell Energy Stadium. After their tailgate, the Dash Drummers take a full lap around the concourse of the stadium while marching to the beat of their drums and invite fans to join in.
According to Hinojosa, Boldrighini leads these pregame warm up sessions. Boldrighini said he knew the playing style had to be interactive and wanted to work with Dash supporters to help make it happen. “We knew that the Brazilian drumming style, like you see on television, was the best way to go,” Boldrighini said. “Not the American marching drumming most of us are familiar with.”
“The Dash Drummers are awesome. They give us energy when we are in a lull, and we definitely hear them throughout the game. They keep us energized throughout the game,” said Dash defender Caprice Dydasco.
Hinojosa also adds that experience for him not only has given him the opportunity to play alongside his friends and play assorted styles of percussion, but it has also taught him a lot about the sport of soccer.
The Dash Drummers will return to Shell Energy Stadium on Saturday, June 3 at 7:30pm CT when the Houston Dash host the Orlando Pride.
