Drumline is more than Esperanza’s favorite part of every assembly. They are apart of the Aztecs’ percussion ensemble and have placed in competitions all over Orange County.

At the beginning of the year, drumline participates in marching season along with the rest of the band. However, post marching season they break off to form percussion ensemble: a combination of mallets and auxiliary percussion.

During post marching season, percussion ensemble practices two times a week, ranging from one to two hours a day. When practicing for assemblies, they prepare a few weeks out from the date of the assembly. Senior and Drumline Captain, Ryan Hatmaker, helps write the music for this performance.

Outside of performing at assemblies, percussion ensemble has played at numerous competitions throughout Orange County. Senior Brianna Gibbons stated, “This year the highest ranking we got was 2nd in our division, and 5th overall schools in other divisions in a competition”.

Percussion ensemble also competed at the SCSBOA Championships. The SCSBOA championship is the championship ranging for all of Southern California. Beginning with 38 groups, the Aztecs made it to the final 15 during the last stretch. Overall, they placed 10th out of 15 competing against schools across Southern California. According to Brad Davis, percussion ensemble’s instructor, “this was the best they had been all year. You could tell in their faces and the audience’s reactions.”

Davis sees great potential in all of the members of percussion ensemble going into their future. “Every year comes with unique challenges. What is really special is that there is no ‘normal’ group. Groups that handle these unique situations in the best way prepares them the best for life after school.” Percussion ensemble has made great strides throughout their season, and will continue to do so through the rest of their musical careers.