The sound of flams, triplet rolls and sixtuplets will soon fill the gym again as the winter drumline performs at varsity basketball games.

The winter drumline, created in 2003, goes by the name TPD, which stands for Tigers Performance Drumline. When it was founded by band director Andrew Perkins and drumline instructor LeVon Bristol, TPD competed with other drumlines throughout Michigan. However, Bristol said competitive drumlines are harshly criticized and took away from the joy of being a drumline. After the winter of 2005, the decision was made to stop competing.

“Perkins and I decided that we wanted to focus more on the education of drumline rather than being judged,” Bristol said, “so when we decided to stop being competitive, I still offered to help for free because I love this so much.”

Attending competitions was very costly; after accounting for transportation, food and hotels, the total cost added up to nearly $500 a season per person. This is when the drumline reverted to performances at basketball games only. Bass drum player Blake Garrison says that although they are difficult, he enjoys the shows that the TPD learns for the games.

“I love TPD because the shows are very tough,” Garrison said. “They give me an opportunity to challenge myself. Plus hearing the crowd chant ‘Fenton Drumline’ is awesome.”

Leading the Tigers Performance Drumline are co-section leaders Zac Miceli and Jon Fleck. As seniors, both Miceli and Fleck will be fourth year members of the Tigers Performance Drumline.

“Being the center snare is a big responsibility, but it’s something I have adjusted to very well,” Miceli said. “Because I was center snare as a junior, I am a lot more comfortable this season leading the drumline.”

While the show that Bristol has written for the drumline this season is currently nameless, Bristol has referred to it multiple times as the “Best of Bristol,” signifying that Bristol is leaving no tricks up his sleeve for this year’s halftime performances. The Tigers Performance Drumline’s first performance will be Jan. 22 at the boys varsity basketball game against the Linden Eagles.

“I want this year to be the best show we’ve ever done,” Bristol said. “I took everything that I wanted to still do with TPD, and combined it into one show. It’s gonna be really awesome.”

Even though the TPD no longer competes, Garrison said the competitiveness in himself is what drives him to become a better drummer. The Tigers Performance Drumline may be performers, but Bristol said it takes the dedication of a varsity sport to succeed as a drumline.