Columbia Union Drill and Drum Corps Teams Stick to the Beat

Story by Ricardo Bacchus

On a black top, roughly 100 feet by 100 feet, 32 Columbia Union Conference drill and drum corps teams lined up on the International Pathfinder camporee campgrounds in Gillette, Wy. A packed audience, comprised of friends, family members, fellow club and church members, waited in anticipation, not wanting to miss a beat or step.

But the onlooking crowd would have to wait a few minutes longer.

Judging begins even before the performance starts. Judges inspect the teams’ uniforms, making sure every patch, button and belt is in place. During the uniform inspection, each Pathfinder “might” be asked a random question, according to North American Division guidelines. Questions vary from, “Can you recite the Pathfinder pledge?” to “Can you explain aspects of the Pathfinder emblem, such as the colors and symbols?”

Soyinkemi Olalere, a drill team member of Chesapeake Conference’s Ellicott City Stallions, explains it best: “We know what the judges are looking for. There are questions we have to know. And then we practice basic commands, making sure our salutes look straight, making sure we are doing the proper left and right faces.”

Next, teams must successfully demonstrate all drill commands to the judges. It’s then—and only then—that the marching and drumming performance begins.

With readied steps and steadied hands, the 32 teams wowed the audience, as the sound of drums and cheers competed. 

Caden Massy, bass drummer of Allegheny East Conference’s (AEC) Southwest Philadelphia Lightbearers, says, “I always have so much fun playing and performing; the energy that it brings … that’s the best part!” 

Drill and drum corps teams are comprised of Pathfinders, Teen Leadership Training (TLT) members or Master Guide candidates, aged 10–18, and can enter into one of three categories: basic, advanced or freestyle.

Massy says, “All the players are my church friends. There wasn’t a team at Southwest Philly for a long time, but last year we restarted it.”

Josai McCall, also a Southwest Philadelphia Lightbearer member who plays the snare drum, chimes in, “My brothers did this, and I want to follow after them and play with my friends. We also get to travel. We played for the [Philadelphia] Eagles game, a homeless shelter, and we once did community work … and got to teach little kids how to play.”

For drill team scoring, judges use the following criteria: uniform, knowledge, drill team leader, creativity, precision, and routine. For drum corps scoring, judges use the following criteria: uniform/equipment, complexity, showmanship, precision, creativity, and rudiments. 

But to score big takes a lot of practice!

Briana Ravariere, quad and lead drummer for AEC’s Emmanuel-Brinklow Skyblazers, says, “My role is to help prepare the drum corps, and this was more important as the camporee became closer; we started practicing for two hours three times a week.”

Massy also takes his practicing seriously: “I practice at home by using pillows and hit [them] because the pillows are soft. It brings energy.”

His team members agree that, besides the fact they love drilling and drumming—a fun hobby they can do collectively or individually—there is a deeper meaning. 

David Edwards, a drill member on a team of four for New Jersey Conference’s Cherry Hill Pathfinder Club, joined because he “wanted to do this to serve the Lord and volunteer.”

Ravariere says, “I like playing and being with my friends. These are more than church friends—I’ve known them basically all my life. They’re like my family.”

Olalere shares what is most meaningful to her: “I like that there is a great sense of community. There is this real bond as we do this, and there’s also a lot of discipline. Not only do you have the physical, but you have the mental and spiritual aspect.”

As the last step and final beat echoed into the afternoon skies, participants—whether holding trophies or not—appeared to enjoy the camaraderie, a prevalent vibe on the campgrounds at Gillette. 

Results of the Columbia Union drum corps and drill teams are as follows:

Allegheny East Conference

Movement Sentinels – Basic Drill – First Place
Miracle City Knights Drum Corps – First
Miracle City Knights – Basic – First
Brinklow Skyblazers Drum Corps – First
Metropolitan Metrolites Drum Corps First
Southwest Philadelphia Lightbearers Drum Corps – First

Allegheny West Conference

Central Crusaders – Basic – Third

Chesapeake Conference

Ellicott City – Basic – First
Ellicott City –Advanced – First

New Jersey Conference

Cherry Hill –Basic – First

Ohio Conference

Dayton Area Eagles Drum Corps – First
Eastwood – Basic – First
Eastwood Drum Corps – Third

Pennsylvania Conference

Allentown – Basic – First

Potomac Conference

Fil-Am Capital – Basic – First
Capital Spanish – Basic – First
Nueva Esperanza – Advanced – First
Capitol Spanish – Advanced – First
Richmond Brazilian Pioneers – Basic – First
Nueva Esperanza – Freestyle – First
Restoration Praise Center – Advanced – Second
Restoration Praise Center – Freestyle – First
Patterson Avenue – Basic – First
Woodbridge Spanish – Advanced – Second
Agape Spanish – Basic – First
Agape Spanish – Basic – First
Takoma Park Spanish – Basic – First
Takoma Park Spanish – Advanced – First
Southern Asia – Basic – First
Maryland Area Drum Corps – First

 

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• Camporee Activities, Honors Focus on Helping Pathfinders Learn, Share Love of Jesus
• Columbia Union Drill and Drum Corps Teams Stick to the Beat 
• Columbia Union Pathfinders Clean up Following Tuesday's Storm
• Forecasted Weather Shortens Camporee Programs, Clubs Plan Their Exit
• Pathfinders 'Maximize Their Witness,' Get Baptized in Front of Thousands
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