Lamar’s Drumline
The arts program at Lamar School has always been a vital one for its students. Not only do the arts teach, it inspires. If Lamar did not provide opportunities in the arts, the creativity of many would stifle. This is why Lamar School’s new drumline is so important.
Michelle Pasha was hired in 2019, and the arts program here at Lamar School has flourished ever since. During her time at Lamar, Pasha has created a greater opportunity for the arts not only in the middle school, but across all three schools.
However, remaining within the restrictions of a classroom was never her intent. The ultimate goal of Ms. Pasha and the school is to establish the school’s first band. Given the school’s relatively small population and a previously lack of a fleshed-out middle school music program, it is no coincidence that one hadn’t existed before. While these factors would have made things difficult, with time, it can be done.
First, it was important to seek out those middle schoolers enrolled in the music program who were interested in furthering their musical talents and enroll them into a drumline. There were about a dozen to start. Progress started in early 2020, before the COVID-19 Pandemic hit. Initially, the drum equipment consisted mostly of Lowe’s 5-Gallon Buckets, but that was more than enough to teach proper technique and rhythm. While progress took a bit of a hit during lockdown as faculty sought solutions as to how to respond, the summer of 2020 was spent resourcefully to prepare the drumline for potential Football games in the autumn. Fortunately, drumming can be done at a distance.
By the beginning of the new school year, the team not only was prepared, they now had the proper equipment to perform. Their arsenal of instruments consist of high-quality drums and cymbals with an extra Raider flare. They have seen support from students and audiences alike:
“Having a drumline at Lamar is awesome.
As we walked to the football game from the parking area near the High School office, I heard the driving beat, and I told Christy, "We've never heard our own drumline at Lamar. The beginning of a new era." Reminded me of the drums I have heard all my life across town from Meridian High. Welcome to the big leagues, Lamar.
The steady beat and the back up to the dance team added to the thrill of Friday night football at Lamar.
That my granddaughter plays in the drumline has in no way influenced my opinion.”
— Ralph Henson (teacher at Lamar)
An excerpt about the drumline from Michelle Pasha:
“The Raider Rhythm Drumline, under the direction of Michelle Pasha, held auditions back in June followed by a one week camp and rehearsals throughout the summer. The members are Travis Ross (Captain), Ryan McDaniel, Layton Wedgworth, Iris Barnard, Eliza Collins, Mandy Farmer, and Ruth Williams. With the exception of Travis Ross, all of the other members only began learning percussion on bucket drums last year during Middle School Music Class. They are a very dedicated group of students, all of whom are very busy with other sports and activities. In the short time this group has been together they have made tremendous progress receiving nothing but accolades from students, faculty, coaches, and parents when they debuted during the first home game of the season. Drumline will be playing at all home Varsity Football games for the time being with hopes of expanding in the future.”
— Michelle Pasha