Sometimes, dynasties fade away and aren’t what they once were. But, once in a while, a dynasty never stops, no matter the circumstances. Marcus drum line is an example of this case. On Sept. 22, the drumline won the Plano Drum Line competition and got honors for best pit and tenor line. The success kept on going when they travelled to Austin for the PASIC Marching Ensemble Competition.
To get to this position, they spent a majority of their summer preparing for the drum line show along with learning the music and drill for the marching band show. To get this all accomplished, it took student leaders such as Hannah West Nover and Peter Riojas.
“It starts with the upperclassmen and the leaders of the group,” Drumline staff member, James Figuerado said. “When you have a strong sense of leadership, it trickles down to every member for success.”
Led by director Kennan Wylie, the program is a 10-time national award winning organization. With all of this success, they are still faced with challenges. These include having only one senior on the entire battery.
“We had a few younger kids, but the blend of older and younger students was very good. There was less stress in the program.” Wylie said.
With rehearsal the night before PASIC and little sleep following that, the drumline took away top honors in Austin on Thursday morning, Nov. 1. Two days later, they ventured to San Antonio for the Bands of America Super Regional Competition, and the Marcus Band Program got 1st. While there, they competed in the UIL State Competition at the Alamodome, and won, claiming the position of the best band in the state.
“We don’t teach our kids about getting first; it’s all about the performance,” Wylie said.
