This year, the Kearsley Drumline brought home top honors at the MSBOA Marching Band festival, earning Division I ratings in every category. This accomplishment reflects the hard work, talent, and dedication throughout the season.

Leading the line is senior, Evan Wilson, who serves as both section leader and center snare. Evan has been a member of the drumline for all four years of high school. His passion for music and dedication to helping the group grow have made him an essential leader on and off the field.

“Being on the drumline has been one of the best parts of high school,” Wilson said. 

This season, the drumline has worked hard to perfect their technique, coordination, and rhythms. The drumline’s goal isn’t to just sound good, but to sound together. From the very beginning at band camp, to the final march off the field, the drumline’s rhythm has kept the entire band in sync. 

This year’s marching band show, Wicked, brought a whole new level of challenge and excitement for the entire band—especially the drumline. The show featured seven songs, which is more music than the Kearsley Marching Band has ever performed in a single season. The selections included No One Mourns the Wicked, For Good, No Good Deed, Popular, What Is This Feeling (Loathing), Dancing Through Life, and the iconic Defying Gravity. Each piece came with its own unique rhythms, tempos, and transitions that kept the drumline constantly moving and focused. 

This season was the last for several seniors on the drumline, Evan Wilson and Jack Kuberski on snare, and Emma McCormick and Nico Bastien on bass. After years of marching, rehearsing, and performing together, they’ve become an important part of the group’s rhythm and personality. While their time on the line is coming to an end, the impact they’ve had will stick around for a while.

Kuberski said, “with marching festival season wrapped up, the Kearsley Drumline is already looking ahead to next year. The group hopes to keep improving, keep things fun, and continue the strong sense of teamwork built this season. Even with changes coming, one thing’s for sure, the drumline will always bring the energy.