It had been almost 13 years since Bakersfield College has heard the beat of a drum . line, that is.
The Bakersfield College drumline restarted three years ago, performing at BC football games with the help of Liberty and Bakersfield high schools’ drumline coach Dave Ellis.
“A few years ago we were discussing the possibility of getting a marching band going again at BC, and out of that idea came the drumline,” said Ellis. “The community has been wanting a marching band back at BC for awhile, but since the approval is still being waited on from the school, there isn’t one yet.”
Although BC hasn’t approved a marching band yet, they did approve the indoor group of the drumline, so they have been able to perform at BC sporting events, particularly the football games.
“We love coming to the football games and watching the drumline perform. They are not only good musicians, but they’re also comedians. Anytime they play, they just have a lot of fun with it and keep the atmosphere really light and fun,” said BC supporters Bill and Cyndee Hluza.
Typically, the BC drumline practices once a week on Sunday from 12-6 p.m. in the gym. Occasionally, they may have sectionals where particular members of the group will get together for a Friday night rehearsal.
“We had to learn the entire show at a much faster rate than most other durmlines so sometimes sectionals were needed,” said Liberty High School and BC drumline member Christian Lucas.
Their first full show this year was titled, “Colors of Our Lives,” which featured the players in colored shirts of either green, orange, red and blue. “All the songs are named around a color, so we knew the show should be titled with colors in it,” said Ellis.
When it comes to performing, all of the members agree that it’s all about the fun.
“We have a lot of fun. Everyone is here to have a good time, but we do know we have a high standard of excellence to maintain,” said BC drumline member and student Eric Wastaferro.
The BC drumline has performed in the Independent categories for PPAACC competitions held at local high schools this year.
“Earlier this year, we also went to a WGI competition in Temecula where we competed against San Diego State University, Alternative Percussion, and three other groups. We finished third out of five,” said BC and Liberty High School drumline member Rommel Gotico.
“It was a good experience because at that particular show, we had just started playing together, so we really didn’t know the whole show yet,” added BC and Liberty High School drumline member Christopher Lucas.
Next year, the drumline is planning for a better season. “We will be more prepared and serious about this group next season,” said Wastaferro.
He admitted that this season was more fun than anything. “A lot of our players coach and play for other drumlines, so when we play, it’s more for fun than for competition,” Wastaferro said.
“I think this group overall is good for the community, and we have an extremely talented line, but there’s always room for improvement,” says Ellis.
As for the marching band, Ellis said it could be a great program that could be in effect as soon as this fall, but until then, the focus will be on getting the BC drumline to a championship level.