Falling in line at competition

In the world of drumline competitions, it takes more than just musical ability to find success, as the Fountain Valley High School Royal Regiment’s drumline found out on the way to winning bronze at the Winter Guard International Championships.

Each of the more than 30 student musicians not only had to learn to play together but also to work together. They have to play their music while knowing everyone else’s, all while keeping their marching tight.

“It’s basically extreme multitasking,” says 17-year-old junior Craig Sirois.

That multitasking ability earned the drumline a score of 95.3 — just .4 points out of first place — April 19 in the high school drumline national championships in Dayton, Ohio.

“It was [hard-core] seeing the judges’ faces light up, they were into our show,” said 18-year-old snare drummer Steven King.

It was a huge accomplishment, but the season wasn’t without its snags. In a group of artistic high schoolers, there is bound to friction. Snare drummer Jeanamarie Pirio, 18, said overcoming those petty differences and focusing on the larger goal was what took their line so far.

“You overcome your differences to work together as a group,” Jeanamarie said.

Many of those differences aren’t personal, but coincidental. The students’ musical tastes are all over the board, as are their musical abilities.

“There’s a lot of different types of musical people,” Steven said. “Their interests and experiences with music are different.”

Then there’s the difficult balancing act between grades, drumline practice and other extracurricular activities many students face. Practice schedules can be grueling. Drumline performers rehearsed daily in class with after-school practices twice a week. They even got together over winter break.

“There were a lot of practices where you’re getting beat up, and you just want to go home but you have to make it through,” said 15-year-old tenor player Andrew Neeld.

Andrew’s older brother Tom played the drum set in the pit. Normally a trumpet player, Tom said he saw his skill as a drummer multiply exponentially. That in turn has made his brass abilities even better.

Though the music pushed their abilities, many students said working together and becoming a family was the most worthwhile experience.

“The hardest thing isn’t playing your own part,” said senior Kristina Pham. “Playing with everyone on the whole took a lot more dedication and attention.”

JOSH ADEN may be reached at (714) 966-4609 or at josh.aden@latimes.com.