Upland High School percussion band leaving Wednesday for championships

The Upland High School Percussion Ensemble will be leaving Wednesday for the Winter Guard International Championship Finals in Dayton, Ohio.

This is the first time the high school will participate in the championships, which will take place April 17 and 18.

"This is the top of the entire high school circuit," said Kyle Bland, a 17 year-old tenor drum player. "It's really great to have a chance to be there."

As a senior, Bland has put in a lot of effort during his time with the band.

"Each week we put in about 20 hours of practice after school and on weekends not to mention we have a competition just about every week to every other week on Saturdays and Sundays," he said.

Being part of the high school band limits the students abilities to do many other activities, but Bland isn't complaining.

"It's pretty good. We can't really do any other activities during this time because it takes up such a large portion of time after school and then in school we fit in with people because we have our classes and being in the drumline it's kind of like you're in band but you're cooler because you play drums, so you fit in better with people," Bland joked.

"This is the most fun I've had in high school. This has been my life. It's who I am as a high schooler. I wouldn't have it any other way it's so fun and enjoyable."

Adam Gatica, 16, shares similar feelings about the band life experience as Bland.

"I love music since I was a little kid. I played drum sets since I was 6 or 7 years old," Gatica said. "I came here after junior high and I said 'this is for me, this is what I want to do."

With the championship in Ohio looming on top of regular day to day activities, Gatica said time management is important.

"I get home around 9:30 and I do homework," he said. "You have to have your time schedule planned out and know you're having to finish you're homework."

Aaron Roth, 16 finishes the tenor drum section of the percussion ensemble.

He too, is looking forward to the championship even with all of the work needed to perfect their routine.

"We don't have any other plans but this," Roth said. 

The tenor drums, like the other portions of the percussion ensemble, require teamwork and performing in sync with the other musicians. 

The appeal of joining the band had much to do with the marching and the sounds, Roth said.

"It's a very challenging activity physically and mentally so you're engaging all parts of yourself in this activity that's what makes it better and you're on the field at all times," Bland said.

"You're putting in your time and effort to make it look good," Gatica added.