Lassen High School’s Drumline is gearing up for a once-in-a-lifetime performance opportunity – performing at Disneyland on March 18th! Accepted into the prestigious Disney Imagination Campus program, the Drumline will march down one of the most iconic parade routes in the world.
“Disney Imagination campus offers opportunities to a few select groups per year to perform either in the parade down main street, or on their main stage during the day,” explains Drumline Director Ben Wade.
“It was an extensive interview process including multiple videos submitted, more videos requested and submitted of us playing, marching, moving with cadences as well as uniform plans, color size of group and other possible options. These people do not miss a beat.”
What began in 2019 as a small pep band with only three members – Andrew Deurksen, Chase Roby, and Grace Rommsberg – has blossomed into a thriving program under Wade’s guidance.
Over the past five years, the LHS Drumline has grown from a modest seven students into a dynamic group with nearly 50 performers, including both JV and Varsity classes.
“When we first submitted our video it was of the Varsity drumline which consists of 21 members. When Disney interviewed me on the phone they asked about JV, which has 28 members, and wanted to know exactly what they would be doing while Varsity performed.”
When Disney learned the two groups perform together, Wade had to resubmit with double the number of performers.
The Drumline was chosen to play on March 18th, during the day, and now they need to raise $8,000 to pay for transportation, hotel rooms and better uniforms.
“The students have letters of support that they have tailored towards businesses. They are going around town asking for sponsorship (tax deductible, made out to the LHS music booster club).”
The Drumline will be fundraising during the month of February.
In late February they will also hold a drumline concert, for $10 a ticket, where they will perform material that they will play in Disneyland.
As honorary Disney Cast Members, the students will not only perform on the world-renowned Disney parade route but will also learn the discipline and expectations of professional performers and celebrate their achievements by enjoying the magic of the Disney parks.
If you’d like to support these talented students, please reach out to Coach Ben Wade at [email protected].
