The Rancho Cucamonga High School drumline won first place in a competition at Los Osos High School on Saturday, Feb. 15. Their show is titled, “Square One (Falling)” written by Eric Shriver and Jonathan Zuniga.
With a score of 80.50, they placed first in High Effect Music, High Effect Visual, High Music, and High Visual.
As the announcer revealed the score, the RCHS section of the bleachers erupted into powerful cheers.
Many instructors and techs such as Shriver, Andrew Wentz, and Maximillian Salce all take part in helping the performers get ready for the important day.
According to Shriver, the drumline practices “months in advance” and the rehearsals repeat for three days a week for the performers to get ready for the show.
“For our first competitions, we do a lot of practice runs, a lot of set up, practicing how we do the show, and how we do the competition format. So, we try to be as prepared as possible,” said Shriver.
Along with the instructors, section leaders juniors Miranda Brambila and Jason Portz also helped coach the battery (drumline).
“One way I prepared my section for a competition was by showing up to our morning rehearsal with as much energy as possible to keep the overall morale high energy for the rest of the day,” said Portz. “I feel honored to be given a spot in which I can foster a community full of the most talented people I know.”
Likewise, Brambila also does her part in assisting with guiding the students.
“Being a section leader has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Although it comes with sacrifice, I’m thankful to be a part of this ensemble’s growth,” said Brambila. “I prepare the battery before any competition by ensuring they’re confident in what they’re about to do and make sure they have everything they need.”
Shriver, who is the percussion caption head, has been working as a percussion instructor for three years at RCHS, and 20 years overall.
Shriver said, “In the three years I’ve been here, we’ve gotten tremendously better so it’s great to see the growth of these groups of kids and the organization as well.”
Upcoming competitions for the RCHS winter drumline include WGI Great Oak on Feb. 22, Temescal Canyon on March 8, SCPA prelims on March 29, Dayton Ohio for WGI Championships, SCPA finals at CSUSB all in April.
