The student news site of Edwardsville High School

Tiger Times

The student news site of Edwardsville High School

Tiger Times

The student news site of Edwardsville High School

Tiger Times

EHS Drumline Prepares for Competitive Season

Those who went to the talent show on Wednesday, Feb. 1 got to experience the EHS winter drumline’s show. Many do not realize, however, the work that goes into it and how well the drumline has competed at various competitions.

With two and a half hour practices and competitions all across the Midwest, this group is as active as any sports team.

“Last year I liked performing at Ozark High School,” said senior David Merz, who plays the vibraphone, which is a xylophone-type instrument with a pedal.

Merz started playing in drumline his sophomore year for “social reasons.”

“It was the cool thing to do,” Merz said.

One competition this year is in Dayton, Ohio. Sophomore Dani Kirsch, freshman Jack Grieve and Merz are all excited about this particular event.

“We get to miss about a week of school,” said Grieve, who plays the tenor drums.

Grieve joined drumline this year because of how much he loves playing the drums.

Kirsch, who plays the cymbals and the thunder drum, was not always a percussionist but decided to join when she got “hooked on the show.”

“I love learning new instruments,” Kirsch said. “I live it half the time.”

Drumline participates in regional, state-wide, and national competitions. The lowest they have ever scored at championships was fourth.

“[Drumline] is high energy and fast-paced,” Kirsch said.