Winter Drumline is back this year with their show “Be the Light” which will be showcased at their 5 competitions. These competitions will take place throughout March and April at different schools like Ramona, Bellflower, and Marina High School.
In these competitions, students work together to create a show that people can enjoy visually and musically. This percussion program originates from the roots of marching bands.
Both Marching Band and WinterDrumline have similarities in how students showcase their musical art. Throughout their competitions, the drumline is scored based on their performance, skill, and penalties.
The Winter drumline this year consists of 22 members. 11 pits, 5 bass drums, 2 tenors, 2 snare, and 2 matching symbols.
The drumline’s role in performance is not limited to playing music. They must be able to control their body as they play throughout the performance.
Throughout their entire routine, they must march. This is why body control has a significant impact on how students will perform.
Learning drills are an additional thing students have to learn. Drills indicate to students where they will have to move as they play. Along with the drill they are also required to learn other things such as counts for their transition, body facing, whether they will get to their spot in time or not, and having to get to their spot in either double or normal time.
All of these things require practice for students. For this reason, they have practice sessions 3 times a week with the goal of refining their show.
Last year the Winter Drumline had a successful season with their show “Journey through Dreamworld”. They were able to make it to the semi-finals and championships where they placed 3rd. This season they hope to continue working hard to have another successful season.
“Working together and seeing how our parts fit together as well as being able to create something that sounds good is our group goal,” said Andrew Gomez, junior and drumline member.
Winter drumline members often establish a community and build bonds among themselves after spending countless hours and days practicing together. This bond helps them work as a team to perfect their show and bring to life the vision of their performance to life.
Although this might be a difficult activity, being a member of the drumline helps students learn more about music and performance. Students also gain additional skills such as passion, dedication, and endurance.
“It’s hard and challenging but once you get used to it it’s not bad at all.” said Gomez.
With the experience of learning how to work in a challenging environment, students will be able to apply this knowledge later in the future.
Written by staff writer, Stefany Sanchez