Canyon Del Oro Drumline

 What is an winter drumline and how will the students benefit?

    A winter drumline program is not only educationally sound, it can have a dramatic and positive influence on the total marching band program. In a school situation, the winter drumline is a extra-curricular activity which offers participation to both girls and boys. Usually its purpose is similar to that of a sports team:

- To strive for excellence
- To develop teamwork
- To learn sportsmanship
- To achieve the highest possible ranking in your competitive circle
- To entertain

Unlike sports teams, the entertainment factor makes this program unique. It can be likened to theatre with elements of drama or a musical. This added dimension provides the students with an exposure beyond that offered through the marching band program. Thus, the winter drumline opportunity is a blend of that produces “The Sport of the Arts.”

Very few extra-curricular activities offer students an experience which challenges and stimulates growth on so many levels:

- Multi-physical
- Mental
- Social
- Time Sequence
- Through Organization
- Team Work
- Group Cooperation

The activity demands physical involvement in rehearsal and performance involving muscletone, conditioned response with/to music and other stimuli, simultaneous coordination of head, arms, legs, body stature as well as poise and control while experiencing physical and mental pressure. The mental training requires multi-levels of thought organization including their individual
parts of music and how they sound with the other musicians, portrayal of moods harmonious with other performers and musicians, and understanding of why they execute each move and advance awareness of what the next move will be and why it is there. The cumulative result of such physical and mental discipline is a student with deeper feelings of understanding, a more disciplined focus which finds its way into study habits in scholastic efforts and a higher level of self-confidence.

There are many outlets for performances available to a winter drumline, besides contests, which include the regular school activity schedule of rallies, basketball half-times or assemblies for special events which will show the activity to the school community. Other students will become more interested in the program; faculty members are always impressed and the audiences (parents and students alike) enjoy the show for its entertainment value. Within the community there are always organizations looking for varied forms of entertainment and where space is adequate, the winter drumline show can win tremendous support for the band program.

Winter Percussion Staff:

Mr. G

Mr. Lawlor

Mr. Stickel