Westlake indoor drumline introduces NPHS students to team
Because of the busy block schedule, there is no room for an Indoor Drumline program. However, a few dedicated students didn’t let this stop them from participating in the percussion performance.
“Indoor Drumline … is essentially just like Marching Band except it happens during the winter and it happens inside a gym, rather than on a football field,” Dennis Crystal, band director, said. “Several years ago there was an Indoor Drumline at Newbury Park, but probably about 5 years ago it just became really untenable.”
Although cutting the program opened up room for other classes and more bands rehearsals, the students who were interested in Indoor Drumline had to find a new way to take part in the band. Seniors Martin Carnahan and August Hewitt, juniors Cameron Tucker and Hannah Horton, and freshman Emily Martin heard about a new opportunity to play in an Indoor Drumline, and with the help of their band director, joined the Westlake High School band.
“When I found out we actually could participate in their group, I thought it would be a great experience,” Horton said.
Crystal worked with Brian Peter, the band director at Westlake High School, to find a way to allow students from NPHS to take part in the WHS Indoor Drumline. “We agreed that it would be okay if we had Newbury Park students … that wanted to participate in that group … as long as they are remaining committed to the Newbury Park band program,” Crystal said.
“We now have a few more mouths to feed, a few more seats are taken up on the bus, and more equipment is being used,” Peter said. “But, great friendships are being made, great music is being made, and great memories are being made. And that’s all that matters!”
Three to four days a week, the students go to Westlake to rehearse and learn with their fellow band members. On weekends, Carnahan, Hewitt, Tucker, Horton, and Martin compete with the Westlake Indoor Drumline in the Southern California Percussion Alliance competitions. Unlike many other competitions, this organization allows students from any school to compete with another band if the program they are a part of is not available at their home school.
“It actually worked out really well,” Horton said. “We got in early enough where anything that got planned for Newbury Park could be scheduled around the drumline.”
“The NPHS students have been excellent with communication. And, when both parties understand the concept of ‘give and take,’ conflicts can be resolved quickly with zero bumps and bruises,” Peter said.
According to Horton, Indoor Drumline is “more dramatic” than the bands she is a part of at NPHS. “In concert band we’re sitting there in black dresses, but with drumline we have these crazy outfits (and) we’re dancing on the floor,” Horton said.
“In my view, it’s had a positive effect,” Crystal said. “Those kids that are in it get to have access to an opportunity that we don’t offer here.”
