Bob Jones Drumline takes ‘One Way or Another’ to Pell City

Bob Jones High School Drumline presented its show, “One Way or Another,” at the Pell City Winter Premiere on Feb. 14. (Contributed/Wyndie Meyer)

MADISON – The Bob Jones High School Drumline competed in the Pell City Winter Premiere at Pell City High School on Feb. 14.

The drumline improved in its standings from their previous competitions.

Eight percussion groups with about 180 students participated in the contest. Bob Jones compiled the highest percussion score of the day.

“We scored an 82.3, which is approximately 12 points higher than we scored at our first show,” Bob Jones Assistant Band Director Leigh Thomas said. However, Bob Jones did not directly compete against any other drumline because they were the only group in Percussion Scholastic Open division.

Their show, “One Way or Another,” gains its name from the 1980s song by the rock group Blondie and showcases several ‘opposites’: black and white versus color, solo versus ensemble, strict style versus swing style.

“The show is highly demanding on every single performer,” Thomas said. “The music is difficult on its own and even more so when combined with difficult body choreography.”

Thomas is directing the show with Jonathan Beavers, who developed the show concept. The drumline staff includes Bryan Barley, LaMeuriea Coleman, Kevin Enfinger and Zack Melton. Brooke Howe, Beavers and Melton arranged the music, drill and choreography.

The drumline competition schedule includes Spring Hill (Tenn.) Middle School, Feb. 28; Winter Guard International (WGI) Regional meet, Bowling Green, Ky., March 21-22; Southeastern Color Guard Circuit (SCGC) Championships, March 28; and WGI Championships, Dayton, Ohio, April 9-11.