MHS Drumline performs for sub-state crowd
Thundering applause filled the Hillsboro High School gymnasium Thursday night.
The reason for the deafening adulation and standing ovation was not only for the Trojans' victory in the boys' sub-state basketball tournament.
The Marion High School Drumline, eight MHS students, brought down the house with the thunder of drums during the half-time performance.
Hillsboro and Salina spectators were on their feet — cheering and yelling for more following the pulsating performance.
Members of the MHS Drumline are Tim Schuler and Josh Yerion, seniors; Chelsi Carlson, Nick Carlson, and Jake Smith, juniors; and Casey Baker, Logan Fowler, and Joel Zeiner, freshmen.
All of the drumline members are members of the MHS marching band, averaging five to eight years of percussion experience.
Schuler had "an inspiration" and decided to write a cadence for the marching band.
"It started out being an extra cadence for the percussion section of the marching band," said Schuler. "We had had some class time to practice but basically we did it on our own."
"Student teacher Ben Bricker from Tabor College helped us a lot," said Schuler.
The percussionists have performed at home football and basketball games. The Hillsboro experience was the first performance "on the road."
Mike Connell, MHS band director, is proud of the musicians.
"You hear so many negative things about the youth," said Connell. "This group of students, left to their own creative devises, are an example of the positive things our young people can do.
"It's good for our band and good for our community," Connell added. "Since it is student-driven, they've stuck with it and saw it through to completion at such a high level of performance."
The group is not planning to perform competitively because the musical selections have to be published pieces. Thus far, the group has only performed pieces written by Schuler and the group.
The line is planning a "stomp" routine (percussion selection using metal trash can lids with some marching steps) for the music concerts in May.
"We've also been asked to perform at Chingawassa Days festival," said Schuler.
"We're very appreciative to the Marion community and other communities for their support," added Schuler.
The group is planning to continue working on new routines and perform next school year.
Connell has contacted officials regarding the drumline performing during the state basketball tournaments. At press time, a decision had not been announced.
