Drum, Drum, Drum: Band Competition is Coming To Town

Drums will thunder and flags will wave when thousands of students come to Pleasanton on Saturday to compete in the 2011 Foothill Winter Guard and Percussion Show. 

Beginning at 8:30 a.m., more than 50 groups and about 40 drum majors from middle and high schools throughout Northern California will compete, according to Joshua Butterfield, director of bands at .

Parents of the Foothill Band Boosters have been planning the event since the start of winter, busily coordinating volunteers, and arranging the food and hospitality and the day’s schedule.

“We have over 200 volunteers (for the event),” Butterfield said. “Our boosters that put on the event do an amazing job. They really deserve all the credit for the quality of the shows we put on.”

Mike and Steffi Gross have been involved with the parent group for eight years and Steffi Gross said the experience has resulted in lasting friendships and a growing respect for Butterfield and fellow band director Erik Nishimori.

Gross said both directors emphasize bonding and unity within the bands.

Volunteering “is a great way to meet new parents and a nice group of kids and adults and make a difference with our wonderful music program,” she added.

The talent of all the students amazes Gross.

“The most exciting thing about hosting a competition is seeing the different shows from all types of schools – large and small, some with music and dance, percussion.  There is a wonderful energy, especially with the drum line warming up in the parking lot,” she said.

Jeff Horning, event chair, agreed. “It’s impressive – the hard work they put in.” 

Horning said he does not regret the time he has spent putting the affair together.

“I’ve sweated and strained and bled with what I’ve done, but I wouldn’t consider it work,” he said, calling it an “effort of love.”

He thanked the volunteers, adding that there was a core of 40 people who were truly dedicated to making the task easier.

Foothill students will not be competing, but they, too, were hard at work this week to prepare for a performance they will do at Saturday’s event.

Senior Nathaniel O’Neil and junior Rhiannon Kelly said they were excited about the event.

Rhiannon, 16, and Nathaniel, 17, have been involved with the band at their schools since fifth grade.

Even though they’re not vying for an award this time around, Nathaniel said he’s eager to see what the other schools will bring to the gym floor.

With the pressures of competition off, the students said they’re ready to showcase their talents for fun.

“We perform because we love doing it,” Rhiannon said.

Nathaniel added, “We get to perform for each other, not for a judge.”

is not scheduled to compete, but neighboring Dublin High School will be in attendance.

Saturday’s event is open to the public and tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for students, free ages 5 and younger.

For a peek at who is performing, see the attached PDF. For more information, click here.