Elite Drumline Show Coming to MHS

's drumline is moving up in class Saturday to compete in an elite competition being hosted by the school for the first time.

In the school's opening contest of the season, the drumline is in for some stiff competition. It's performing in a Southern California Percussion Alliance show with the chance to go national, and MHS band director Daniel Magallanes said his drummers will be up against an elite group of drumlines.

"The competition is much more fierce," Magallanes. "We're competing definitely against some of the best."

The contest, which begins at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in the school's event center, will feature 35 drumlines from about 30 different schools. The lines include the normal battery percussion plus a front ensemble that uses instruments like marimbas and synthesizers to put on a show much more elaborate than a typical marching piece.

"Really, at this level the show has become almost theatrical," Magallanes said.

The Monrovia High drumline will perform an piece called "The Power of Words," an original composition by percussion instructors Jered Sherrill and Eric Scheiber that explores "the importance of words and language in our daily lives," Magallanes said.

"We actually do use some samples of voiceovers which helps to enhance the schematic intent of that show," he said.

Because of the caliber of competition, Magallanes said he isn't expecting victory Saturday and is instead focusing on putting on an entertaining show.

"I think we'll be competitive but honestly at this level I'm just happy that we're putting on a good educational show," he said. "If we win, that's just amazing."

Admission to the competition is $8 at the door.