Zane Ruth started playing percussion at Ore Valley Elementary, following in his brother’s footsteps in the band.
“My brother played the trumpet when he was in fourth grade, and it was so exciting seeing him get his brand new shiny instrument and bringing it home. When it was time for me to pick an instrument, I chose the snare drum because it was shiny,” Ruth said.
Little did Ruth know that the shiny drum would lead to his lifelong passion.
Ruth graduated from Dallastown in 1993 and, following graduation, attended York Academy of the Arts and York College, majoring in graphic design.
Soon after graduating from college, Ruth began volunteering as a percussion instructor at Dallastown in 1996 and was subsequently hired by the school in 1998.
“Upon graduation, I still had an immense joy of being around the percussion section, so once I graduated, I offered to come back and volunteer to help teach the percussion,” Ruth stated.
Ruth took a break from Dallastown in 2009 and founded the First Capital Drumline (FC) in 2010, due to the various limitations of high school bands.
FC grew into one of the largest drumlines in the area with a peak of 52 members, including students from all over central Pennsylvania.
The group has had the opportunity to perform at many prestigious locations and events. One such event includes the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts, where FC was one of 12 bands invited nationwide.
Ruth returned to Dallastown in 2020 and continued where he left off, teaching percussion throughout the school district.
In addition to being a percussion instructor for Dallastown’s bands, Ruth has directed numerous other schools and bands throughout Pennsylvania. Some of which include the Reading Buccaneers Alumni Corps, Millersville University, the PA BIG 33 Marching Band, the PA International Lions Club Band, Christian School of York, Central York HS, Northeastern HS, York Suburban HS, Spring Grove HS, and Eastern York HS.
When arranging music, Ruth favors Latin-style music because of its endless possibilities.
“I love Latin music, like last year we had a part in the show [“Conga” and “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You”], the Latin rhythms are just infinite in terms of what you can layer on top of each other,” Ruth said.
Ruth acclaims two people as whom he takes the most inspiration from, Jim Magilton and Dan DeLong.
“My high school percussion instructor was Jim Magilton, he gave me the opportunity to start to teach when I was just 17 years old. After that, I had a Drum Corps instructor named Mr. Dan DeLong, and he just had such a cool vibe around him when he taught and made everyone feel comfortable,” Ruth said.
Many of Ruth’s students claim that he has been a role model for them throughout their lives, and say that he has helped them grow not only as musicians, but as people.
Senior Katie Werkley nominated Ruth during the marching band’s first teacher appreciation this year.
“Mr. Ruth has been teaching me music since the eighth grade. So many kids who work with him instantly gravitate towards him, and it’s clear why. He has a genuine heart for not only the kids but also the music. His love for music translates to every kid he works with,” Werkley stated. “Even kids who aren’t in drumline or pit love to participate in activities with him, such as indoor drumline, because it is such a pleasure to get to work with someone so supportive and passionate. For me, he has taught me not only music but also how to be a hard worker and creative thinker.”
Ever since his return to Dallastown in 1996, Zane Ruth has shaped the path for many percussionists. Many continued in Drum Corps, and some began instructing their own drumlines and bands.
Ruth has guided many students throughout his career, and isn’t showing any signs of stopping.
