Once again, they did it on the first of October, and once again it was an overflow crowd in front of the North Ridge Middle School Stage. The Band Program’s 2nd Annual “Drumlines & Darkness” Drumline Battle got everyone in the mood for Halloween and in the mood for some rhythm.
Director of North Ridge Bands Adam Owens says this has become quite popular, quickly.
AUDIO: We have a new yearly tradition. Yes, it was a big hit last year, and the kids really liked it. So we wanted to bring it back. I just know that a lot of the kids like drums and want to play drums. And they come in, and they’re not really experienced yet. So this helps them learn how to read music, and they have a really good first performance, and they want to continue and keep getting better.

(1st Picture) North Ridge students dance to the drummers playing along with Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” (3rd Picture) Young drummers from Meade Park Elementary open for the large crowd at North Ridge.
And indeed, Owens also pointed out that some of the students are not only trying drums for the first time this year, but often just trying a band instrument for the first time. Sometimes starting with the drums is just a fun way to go.
AUDIO: Most of these kids will actually switch here in a few weeks to play regular band instruments; like the saxophone, or the flute. But we have a couple percussion classes as well.
A group of brand new drummers from Meade Park Elementary opened the show. Proceeds from the program will go to support the North Ridge Middle School Band Program.










