Keep Calm and Drum On
Percussion musicians pool their talents into presenting a halftime show for their community
During a morning practice in the summer, sophomore Marissa Bellinger participates in a drumming drill with her fellow drumline members. Many members of the summer drumline also participate in Winterline. The winter drumline will make their first appearance at halftime of the boys varsity basketball game on Feb. 21.
As the drums go off with layers of fast paced rhythms and slow, heavy beats, it is harmonized with the cheers of a gymnasium full of spectators. Since its establishment in the 2002-2003 school year, Winterline has entertained the Fenton community and has welcomed many aspiring musicians to share and grow in their common interests.
“I joined my freshman year because I did percussion in middle school band and I thought it would be cool to try out,” senior Jack Pooler said. “It became something I was very interested in and I have been doing it ever since because it is a way for me to expand on something that has always been a hobby for me.”
With experienced seniors entering their final year of Winterline and new freshmen being welcomed to the stage, the group auditioned musicians new and old to participate in the percussive group for this school year.
“Winterline is an ensemble of percussion instruments,” Pooler said, referring to the five snares, three tenors and five basses, with extra instruments in the pit such as the marimba, vibraphone, cymbals and other auxiliary parts. “We are a part of the marching band, but after marching band is over, there are new tryouts and we start practicing for our show that we perform at the basketball games.”
For this year’s halftime show, the Winterline performs ‘Angels and Demons,’ a piece of music written by their instructor, LeVon Bristol. Preparing for this has been a lengthy process.
“We usually practice two to three times a week for two to three hours,” freshman Dominic Dimambro said. “During our practices we are either learning new exercises, reviewing the music we have covered so far or learning the next bit of our show.”
Even though it may seem like all work and no play, the drumline is a close knit group of people who enjoy each other and share a common interest in creating music.
“My favorite part of drumline is definitely all the people in it with me,” senior Danielle Brandt said. “I have made lots of friends in it and they are a cool group of people. I like performing too and showing what we have learned.”
The drumline will perform at the boys varsity basketball game against Holly on Feb. 21.
