Drumline groups from schools across the DFW area came and performed at a competition hosted at Main this past Saturday, Nov. 9. Lasting all day, the drumline practiced in the parking lot alongside other drumlines until it was time to perform. This performance was an exhibition for the winter marching show.

“It went really well,” drumline director Quiyan Murphy said. “There were 29 groups and all we got was positive feedback on how it was [run], how the parents were [and] how we played at the end of the night.”

Although they were not being judged, the drumline upheld the standards from last year. After coming first in preliminary and finals at the Winter Guard International competition on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019, the group is taking it upon themselves to match last year’s achievement.

“It makes you feel like you have to step up,” junior quad player Nathan Brown said. “You have to be able to take [on] more.”

Along with several other organizations, they are trying to adjust and change dynamics due to losing last year’s seniors. Competition season with the rest of the band and football season has ended, giving the drumline time to accommodate the change.

“We miss [the seniors] and like any kid or person, it’s always different,” Murphy said. “The new class of kids have stepped up and they’ve maintained the standards. They’re actually pushing a little further ahead than last year’s seniors.”

Despite being on track to succeed, the team has to stay focused to improve its basic skills. Including listening to directors and each other will further refine the group’s performance.

“[They can improve on] following directions [and] their listening skills,” Murphy said. “As far as performance is concerned, they perform really well, it’s just a matter of being consistent performers and listening in general, to each other [and] to instructions.”

After earning fundraising money from the competition, drumline awaits its winter competitions. With high hopes of carrying on the winning streak from last year, the drumline members will continue to practice in order to reach their goal.

“My favorite thing is probably when we boost each other up,” senior cymbal captain Jordan Hatter said. “We make sure everybody is having a good time and everybody does their best, it makes it a fun experience. It gives me a sense of pride because we did our best and it turned out so well.”