Niwot High drumline making noise this summer

Niwot High School's band program is full of dedicated musicians, and that includes the drumline. The marching band as a whole is under the instruction of Wade Hendricks, and the drumline is being instructed by Scott Barto.

Once the audition and selection process, held in the spring semester, has concluded, the Summer Sectionals begin. During these Thursday early morning practices, members of the drumline are given time to learn and master fundamental techniques in order to begin memorizing their music for the upcoming school year.

The sectional rehearsals give the drummers a chance to get a head start before band camp as they are expected to memorize each piece. Band camp becomes a vital component of the marching band's overall performance. The drumline includes students on snare drum, tenors, various sizes of bass drums, and cymbals.

During the later parts of summer and during the school year, the marching band will perform numerous times, beginning with Niwot's annual 4th of July Parade, followed by the Homecoming Parade, as well as multiple other exciting events. The marching band performs at every home football game in the fall, and occasionally attends Super Spirit Days held at Niwot Elementary School.

There are multiple types of music that the marching band is expected to perform. For example there is show music, which is performed at half-time of home football games. The theme for each field show for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year will be Star Wars.

These band students have been waking up early each Thursday morning of the summer and meeting up behind Niwot High School to practice for their upcoming season. This year's group of musicians is led by their drum captains, seniors Natalie Fitches and Merrick Blondeau. Both of the drumline leaders are experienced and dedicated to their roles.

For more general information about Niwot High School's band programs or how to support the high school musicians, visit NiwotBands.org.