After ranking first in the regional competition, the Bearcat Regiment drum line prepares to compete in the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, in Indianapolis, Ind., Nov. 13–16.
PASIC is ranked as the most competitive and prestigious percussion ensemble convention internationally, each member spending every day since July practicing endlessly.
“This competition is the biggest competition for percussion, so I guess it doesn’t really compare,” junior percussionist Craig Issacs said. “I balance school, school life, practice and and personal life by just setting aside time for when I need to practice, and then setting aside time for rest because you don’t want to be continuously practicing or you’ll get burnt out.”
Drum line director Scott Stephens has coached this group of percussionists since their early middle school years, leading them through several prestigious competitions.
“Our director, Mr. Stevens has really played a big role in keeping us on track to get to where we need to go,” senior David Lowry said. “Ever since sixth grade, he’s been pushing us to be the best that we can, and has helped us on a more personal level, individually, to understand what we need to get the job done.”
The support and guidance of Stephens has greatly impacted the skill of these musicians, PASIC challenging every aspect of their practice. With several regional and state awards the expertise of the drum line soars above the rest which lead to qualifying for the 2024 PASIC competition.
“We’ve never dealt with anything ever like this before. Prior competitions, such as the TCU festival, we’ve had to prepare for a concert that is probably half as long as this one, and not as many rehearsals,” Lowry said. “This is probably about double the amount of work that we’re used to.”
The competition is only a month away, and as the regular marching and competition season takes up their focus, the drum line members said they feel it is urgent to perfect their pieces. Every second is a challenge, but also another step towards their next award.
“Being a percussionist, you have to be confident in what you do every single day, and we can push that confidence into the rest of our lives,” Issacs said. “We handle the pressure of performing on such a competitive level just by managing our time well, the more things you have on your schedule, the more stressed you are. So the better time management skills you have, the less stressed you’ll be.”
Pressures are rising as the days get closer to their trip to Indianapolis, but the students are staying true to themselves and their original passions.
“Drum line was a big passion for most of us when we were in middle school, so just having that achievement pushed us to want to do greater things,” Issacs said. “My biggest influence during the stressful time would definitely be Mr. Stevens, because he’s so passionate about his job and what we’re doing, and it just pushes us to be more passionate like he is.”
