The Coppell HS Drumline wins multiple awards at the 2016 Plano Drumline Competition and HEB Drumline Contest. Photo by Susan Edgley
The Coppell High School Drumline achieved 1st place in the Plano Drumline Competition’s AAA Standstill Division I classification, held on Saturday, September 24, 2016 at Clark Stadium. Coppell also earned caption awards for Outstanding Bass Line and Outstanding Front Ensemble.
This was the second competition this season for the Coppell HS Drumline. On September 17, 2016 Coppell performed at the HEB Drumline Contest, held at Pennington Field in Bedford, where they won Outstanding Bass Drum Line, Outstanding Tenor Line, and placed 3rd overall in the 6A Advanced Division.
“We are fortunate to have students who are very talented,” stated Zach Scheer, Director of Percussion for Coppell ISD. “However, our music program teaches them that hard work is necessary to be successful, regardless of their talent level. We also value a student’s ability to put the group before themselves. Drumline is a “team sport,” and the students must work together to achieve common goals.”
Coppell’s 2016 Drumline Show, "The Music of Pat Metheny," features the sounds and inspiration of legendary jazz guitarist and composer Pat Metheny. “I worked closely with our arrangers, Doug Bush and Patricia Islas, on our decision to use this composition,” said Scheer. “Pat Metheny’s music is rhythmically intricate and has a wide variety of timbres to explore. This means that it translates to percussion well, and we’ve been very happy with the result.”
Senior McKenzie Melane, vibist for the front ensemble, said, “This year’s show has a jazz style. The music is really cool and I love how Mr. Bush and Ms. Islas arranged it for us. Everyone on the front ensemble has been working so hard and has put in long hours, but we stay positive and have fun. I can’t wait to see how the season turns out.”
For more information on the Coppell High School Band and Drumline, as well as upcoming performances, go to the band’s website at www.chsbandboosters.com.