DRUM LINE

There's a whole world out there of "Drum Line". It involves young people who play percussion instruments, learn routines of drumming and marching and putting on performances. There are also competitions and this happens on lots of Saturdays in lots of states. Nathan Payan is in one of these, and they had a competition over near my home, so on Saturday, March 15, Erik, Travis and Lindsey (Nate rode over earlier with the band) drove over to SJC and picked me up. (Ryan was involved in another activity and so Kristin spent the day with him)

 Erik reaching for his wallet. Yes, even though it's your kid, (that you've shelled a fortune out for him to be in this activity) it is a fundraiser for the school, so pony up people.

A wristband to prove you actually paid!

Waiting to enter between performances.

 In between performances you can be admitted. Here's a band winding up.

 The spectators.

A new band entering. We saw 3 performances before Nate's.

Performance over and hustling out. They have something like 7 minutes to get on and off the court.

 Here comes Nate's band.

 Bringing in the instruments.

Getting the tarp in place.

 Setting up the tarp and backdrop.

 In place and ready to begin performance.

They begin with a dance routine and story. Note all the percussion instruments in front.

 Then come the drums. Nate is on the left.
(I wish I had more closeups of Nate, but they are moving F A S T and are all over the place.)They are graded on several things. Theme, costumes, routine, precision, LOUDNESS, musicality, etc.

 The only have minutes to get on and off for the performance and that is included in the rating.

The next group is ready to roll in as they are leaving.

Erik said that tarp weights about 500 pounds! It was an exhilarating performance. In my view, the BEST. Snappy, great costumes, excellent drumming and precision marching.


Can you spot us? 

Travis took the picture. Lindsey was sitting with a friend.

More tomorrow on the rest of the day.