“Invasion” tells the story of an unknown alien threat to earth. The show begins with a message of “peace” from the aliens. The mood is set immediately with a very dark and creepy sounding soundtrack that utilizes themes from the movies “Signs” and “The Sixth Sense”. The battery and pit are dressed in all black, and wearing sunglasses, and there are no props or special effects… just good music, good marching, and narration to tell the story.The show takes the audience through the different stages of the alien invasion, beginning with a seemingly peaceful message and ending in a frustrated declaration of war. The music reflects the different emotional moods and actions described by the narrator as the aliens attempt to communicate with our world.Eventually, the alien race has had enough, and they declare a ‘war of the worlds’. This declaration is accompanied by a ‘Rage against the Machine” style soundtrack, as the battery members execute frantic looking maneuvers.The show ends with a quick recap of the opening alien themes, followed by victorious sounding major chords and arpeggios from the pit and a very loud and confident final statement from the battery. There are no final narrations… which leaves the audience to speculate to themselves as to the outcome of the final battle.
Anaheim Drumline . com
About Us
Anaheim High School is located at 811 West Lincoln Avenue in Anaheim California, 92805. Anaheim H.S. is a part of the Anaheim Union High School District, and the school is home to about 2,600 students grades 9 – 12. for more information about Anaheim High School, visit their school website at http://anaheim.auhsd.k12.ca.us
The History of the Anaheim High School Indoor Drumline
Anaheim High School Indoor Drumline Shows
It had been many years since the Anaheim High School Drumline had performed at an indoor drumline competition, but the students were eager to learn and excited get the Anaheim H.S. indoor drumline program 'rolling' again. March 5th, 2005 was a momentous occaision, as 21 Anaheim Drumline Students travelled on a bus with 25 Sycamore students to La Sierra High School in Riverside California to compete in their first Drumline competition. The two schools began what would become a tradition of supporting and cheering for each other’s performances, and the feelings of pride and accomplishments as they posed for this picture by the bus after the awards ceremony will never be forgotten.2005 - "Invasion"
Show Description
Narration from "Invasion"
“human beings… many of you fear the unknown… darkness and mystery make you feel uneasy… but you have no reason to fear us… we come in peace”“on the first day, we will proceed with caution”…
“on the second day, we will attempt to speak with your leaders”...
“peace talks have failed! prepare for invasion!”
“the war of the worlds has begun!”
2005 Competitive Results
La Sierra Show – 2nd place (Scholastic C)
Downey Show – 2nd place (Scholastic C)
A.B. Miller Show – 5th place (Scholastic B)
Championships – 1st place (Scholastic B)
Movin’ on up
The Anaheim Drumline began their 2005 Season competing in the ‘Scholastic C’ class in the American Drum Line Association. However, halfway though the season it was decided by the association that the group was performing at a level that was higher than the other schools in their division, and so Anaheim was ‘bumped’ up into the ‘Scholastic B’ class for the remainder of the season.
2005 MVPsBrian – A talented, dedicated leader and a good role model for younger players
Jaime and Jonathan – Freshman snare players! How did you guys get so good?
Sarah – The voice of the show, and our enthusiastic motivator.
Nora – Holding it all together... we couldn't have done it without you!
2006 - "The Circle of Death"
The title “The Circle of Death” might sound as if the performance will be filled with violence and darkness, but actually this show is a deceptively clever and original idea that was loved by audiences and judges alike. A simple concept, a simple visual design, and a surprise ending made the Circle of Death one of the most talked about Drumline shows this year, and it gave the Anaheim High School Drumline their first ADLA Championship Banner.
Show Description
One look at the opening set-up for the show will give the audience an idea of what is about to happen. In the front corner of the court, near the pit, and old grey-haired woman sits in her rocking chair knitting a scarf. A series of “death circles” (hula-hoops) laid out diagonally on the court leads the audience’s eyes to the back corner, where the grim reaper stands motionless, looking towards the old woman.From the first note, the show maintains a very dark and creepy feel. The soundtracks from a few great horror movies including “The Grudge” and “Halloween”, along with evil laugh sound effects from the pit help to set the mood. Every so often, the grim reaper walks slowly to the next circle, drawing closer and closer to the old woman in the chair. In the final minute of the show, The grim reaper is standing in the last circle, just behind the old woman, who has apparently fallen asleep in her chair. Death raises his arm toward the woman and walks forward with an out-stretched arm, as the pit produces heart-beat sound affects that get slower and slower… Fortunately, this old lady still has quite a bit of life left in her, because just as death is about to touch her shoulder, she gets up, walks toward the center of the court and begins to dance as the pit makes a quick change from their dark musical selections and begins playing the music from the old ‘six flags magic mountain’ commercials. Soon, the whole battery is dancing, the pit is rocking out, and good old death just can’t help himself… he joins in on the fun and starts dancing with grandma.
Narration from "The Circle of Death"
“for as long as there has been life, there has also been death… soon, he’ll be coming for you… are you ready?”
“you can feel it getting closer… just relax.. soon this will all be over”…
“go to sleep… things will be much less painful that way”
“I bet you wish you had spent more time with your friends and family… well,… ok… we’ll give you one more chance… ”
“go to magic mountain… buy a day… and get a whole year for free!”
2006 Competitive Results
Westminster Show – 3rd place
Centennial Show – 2nd place
Riverside King Schow – 1st place
Championships – 1st place
Memorable Moments
The picture taken at the Riverside King Show represents the first time that both Anaheim H.S. and Sycamore Jr. High School won the
1st place trophy on the same day.
The drumlines repeated this accomplishment at the championship show, where both schools came home with gold medals and the championship banner.
2006 MVPsOscar – The dancing death.
Monica - The dancing grandma.
Brenda – One of our ‘marimba specialists’… we miss you!
Alex – Synth master. Thanks for sticking with us even after the “Nightmare” year
Sarah – The voice of the show… again.
2007 - "Pluto"
After 2 years of dark and creepy shows, it is time for something different. The 2007 show “Pluto” is based on real events, and tells a heart-warming story of 8 planets who desperately want their 9th planet to be ‘re-instated’ as an official member of our solar system. Each year’s show seems to involve more and more character acting, and “Pluto” is filled with opportunities for the performers to share their personalities and emotions with the audience. This show touched the hearts of everybody who viewed it, including the judges.
Show Description
“On august 24, 2006, we lost a dear friend from our solar system”. These are the first words spoken in the show, and they represent the overall tone of the show rather well. The 9 Planets (represented by 9 students holding giant exercise balls) are happy when they are all together, but the I.A.U. (the battery) is trying to keep Pluto away from her 8 brothers and sisters. The show is an artistic representation of real events. There really is a collection of scientists who call themselves the I.A.U. (the International Astronomical Union) and they really did declare in 2006 that Pluto is no longer an official planet.Much more emphasis is placed on the visual aspect of the Pluto show, compared to recent years. The Planet People add a lot to the show by tossing the planets in the air, dancing, running in orbit around the “sun” (a bright yellow exercise ball that sits in the middle of the court on a pedestal for the entire show), and acting out the personalities of their represented planets.About halfway through the show, (after the battery kicked Pluto away from the other Planets into her own little corner), the rest of the planets are introduced one at a time and each is given their own theme music to dance or act to. At the end of the show, despite their best efforts, the battery is unable to keep the planets from re-uniting with their sister Pluto, and the planets are happy again. Too bad the real planets can’t fight back like the ones in this show do.
Narration from "Pluto"
“On August 24th, 2006… we lost a dear friend from our solar system...
...Pluto was unfairly demoted from it’s position as our ninth planet by the International Astronomical Union… the I.A.U… but Pluto if you’re listening, we want you to know that we do not accept these changes and in our hearts and minds you will always be our ninth planet. …Pluto, if you’re listening… this one’s for you”
“So… what gives these guys the right to just get rid of one of our planets?”
“Look.. we don’t care what these guys say… this is our solar system… and these are our planets..”
“Mercury…. Venus… Earth… Mars… Jupiter... Saturn… Uranus… Neptune… AND Pluto”
2007 Competitive Results
Riverside King Show – 5th place (Scholastic A)
Centennial Show – 2nd place (Scholastic A)
Santiago Show – 7th place (Open Class)
Championships – 5th place (Open Class)
Movin’ on up… again…. and again…
After winning the championship in 2006, it was time for the Anaheim Drumline to move up another division into the ‘Scholastic A’ competition bracket. However, halfway though the season it was decided by the association (again) that the group was performing at a level that was higher than the other schools in their division, and so Anaheim was ‘bumped’ up into the ‘Open Class’ division for the remainder of the season. This makes three divisional
bumps in three years for Anaheim, who
began the 2005 season in ‘Scholastic C’. Anaheim will enter the 2008 season as an “Open Class” Drumline, and there is only
one possible division above them that they can be moved to…So, when will Anaheim become a ‘World Class’ Drumline?... only time will tell…
2007 MVPsJuan – Always ready to help with anything that needs to be done.
Sandra – So dedicated… so talented… and so brave! (opening solo of the show)
Jonathan – (senior) Thanks for sticking with us for four awesome years!
Salvador – A great role model for the younger members. Thanks for your dedication!
Sarah – The voice of the show… again… and for the last time. Thanks for everything!
out of 12
out of 14
out of 14
out of 20
2008 - "Latin Machine"
It was time for something different. Drumline shows usually don't use brass instruments in their performances... and in fact your group can be disqualified for playing the instruments during the show, but that was not the plan for this year's show entitled "Latin Machine". This show was a tribute to a classic drum corps style, using latin music and a full marching brass section to imitate the look and feel of some of the well known drum corps from the 80s and 90s. The brass players had to 'valve-sync' their parts while the synthesizers in the pit played the music with brass sound effects.
Show Description
The show begins with machine-like sound effects and robotic style movements from the battery and horn players. Snare drum soloists show off their rudimental skills while the rest of the ensemble performs visually. Soon, a horn soloist appears, and 'plays' a very familiar melody while the pit accompanies her. The show builds and builds into the first impact, where all of the horn players turn and face the audience and the full ensemble performs "A mis abuelos" while demonstrating their marching and maneuvering skills. Some of the drill is very fast paced and dangerous, but the grid on the floor helps all of the members hit their spots perfectly.Robotic movements, dance-like sequences, horn visuals, and crazy drill moves are all incorporated in the first half of the show, and at the same time the pit is performing the most dificult arrangement that Anaheim H.S. has ever attempted. The second half begins with another soloist who performs with a more ballad-like style. This show takes the listener through many different styles of latin music, including some of the Chick Corea arrangements of Spanish Fantasy and the ever-popular Malaguena. At the end of the show, the fast-paced movements give way to an explosion of red as the horn players all grab a red flag and wave it around while running towards the audience. The action-packed ending leaves the performers exhausted and the audience cheering.The Best Pit Section Around
At the ADLA championships, the Anaheim H.S. pit was voted to be the best in their class and was awarded the "high Pit" caption patches. This is a new accomplishment for Anaheim and it marks the first time that AHS has won an ADLA caption award at championships. The 2008 Anaheim pit should be very proud to receive this honor, especially because there were 13 other great ensembles in their division. Congratulations pit !
2008 Competitive Results
A.B. Miller Show - 2nd out of 6
Mission Viejo Show - 13th out of 24
Riverside King Show - 5th out of 6
SCPA Prelims - 11th out of 13
Whittier Show - 2nd out of 7
San Gorgonio Show - 6th out of 10
ADLA Championships - 11th out of 14
Tough Competition
As you can see by the scores, the competition is very tough in the Open class. Even though the Anaheim drumline is not winning 1st place in their division, they are still one of the best high school drumlines around because they are competiting at such a high level with the best schools in california.
2008 MVPsJaime – 4 years of dedication, leadership and excellence... Thank you.
Sandra – Leader of one of the best pit sections in ADLA. We'll miss you!
Jonathan – Always kept a positive attitude... and one of the best AHS snare players ever!
Manuel – Thank you for all your hard work and positive attitude.
Juan – The pit just won't be the same without you... thank you for everything.
2008 Seniors
Thank you seniors for your hard workand dedication to our activity !Coming Soon - 2009 !
2009 - "The Eye"
The mysterious meaning of one of our country's official symbols became the focus for the 2009 drumline show. The eye of providence (a.k.a. - that pyramid thing with the floating eye above it) can be found on the back of the one dollar bill and in the artwork of many different cultures throughout history. But what does this symbol mean? where did it come from? This is the topic discussed during the 2009 show, in which we aimed to invite the audience to think about somthing they might never have thought about before.
Show Description
The mood of the show is set almost immediately with a very dark and mysterious sound coming from the pit. The narration asks the questions while the music creates an egyptian-style introduction. The show opens with a brief set of detailed visual movements from the battery which are performed in front of this shows only prop - a large pyramid with the floating eye - set up in the back/center of the court. There are four parts to the show, in which the various possible meanings of our mysterious symbol are explored:
Part 1 - Origins
During the Egyptian-sounding music, the origin of the eye is discussed.
Part 2 - Fear
The music takes a dark turn as we depict the fact that many cultures fear the symbol or see it as a sign of anger.
Part 3 - Control
Conspiracy theorists would like you to believe that the eye is a symbol of the government watching over us. This is emphasized by the millitary-style music.
Part 4 - Providence (look it up)
The final chapter reveals the more spiritual belief regarding the eye's representation of a higher power watching over us.
The end of the show is fast and energetic as the idea of trying to escape the gaze of the "all-seeing eye" brings the music and the drill to it's climax. If nothing else, the show has at least explored the idea that a single symbol can evoke so many different emotions or beliefs depending on who is viewing it.
Another Awesome Pit Section
Last year, the Anaheim H.S. pit was voted to be the best in their class and was awarded the "high Pit" caption patches. This year, they just missed this honor, finishing 2nd out of 30 pit ensembles by only a fraction of a point.
The Anaheim pit section has proven year after year that they are one of the best in their division, and we are proud of them for all of their hard work.
Go Pit !!!
2009 Competitive Results
Eleanor Roosevelt Show - 5th out of 15
Riverside King Show - 3rd out of 14
Jurupa Valley Show - 1st out of 16
Mission Hills Show - 4th out of 14
Championships - 5th out of 30
2009 MVPsJessica – 5 years of drumline dedication.
Monique - Look! There's a Full Moon!
Samantha – Pit Captain
Carlos – Synth Master
Angelica – We miss you!
2009 Seniors
Thank you seniors for your hard workand dedication to our activity !2010 - "Undying Love"
Switching modes once again, the 2010 Anaheim H.S. drumline decided to go back to a more "light-hearted" and comical feel. Complete with mummies, vampires, and an unusual love story, the 2010 program "undying love" was basically a re-make of the classic Romeo and Juliet, only... with vampires and mummies.
Show Description
Our two main characters (cymbal players) portrayed a Mummy Romeo and a Vampire Juliet and spent the entire show trying to get together while their families (the battery members dressed as mummies and vampires) tried to keep them apart. The goal of this show was not to re-create every detail of the classic Shakespeare story, but instead to create our own unique 5 minute tribute to the classic tale, incorporating our own musical style and a less tragic ending. The show was fun, romantic, and above all, different...
Part 1 - Introduction
A soft introduction from the pit (using music from Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet) while the two "star crossed lovers" are introduced.
Part 2 - Family Feud
The Battery introduces the conflict between the two families. The upper battery represents the Vampires and the bass drummers are the mummies.
Part 3 - Forbidden Love
A fun, "westside-story-like" soundtrack combined with a few more romantic melodies accompanied by a visual portral of two young monsters in love.
Part 4 - Reconciliation and Acceptance
The fighting between the two families continues, but soon they put aside their differences and begin to play and dance together as the young lovers are finally allowed to be together.... and the mummy and vampire lived happily ever after.
The goal of this show was to do something different and fun, and the students enjoyed acting out the characters as much as the audience enjoyed the light-hearted nature of the show. With most drumlines nowadays trying to be as angry and as dark as possible, the 2010 Anaheim show was a breath of fresh air that helped lighten the mood at every competition.
2010 Competitive Results
Mission Hills Show - 11th out of 11
Riverside King Show - 4th out of 8
Jurupa Valley Show - 12th out of 15
Mission Hills Show - 10th out of 21
This was one of Anaheim's toughest competitive years, as you can tell. Still, we ended up ahead of more than half the schools we competed against at championships!
2010 MVPsSteve – 5 years of drumline dedication.
Carlos – Thank you for 4 Awesome years
Kathy - The lovely Vampire Juliet
Ismael – Mummy Romeo "Mummeo"?
Gaby - The new Synth master
2011 - "Connected"
Where would our world be without cell phones, computers and the internet? We are all able to keep in touch with our friends and family thanks to these modern technologies. In 2011, The Anaheim H.S. Drumline presented their show "Connected" with a message: No matter where you are in the world, you are not alone.
Show Description
The show begins with the sounds of communication. Every member talking into their headsets randomly, as the sounds of a telephone and internet connection is heard through the speakers. The show sets the sentimental mood immediately with a few solo piano notes and singing. Even though the music is calm, the battery members move very quickly and create interesting patterns that "curtain" to the opening snare drum solo. The soloist is soon joined by a tenor player, and shortly thereafter all of the members of the battery have joined in. The randomized opening has been building into the now unified music and motions.
Part 1 of the show is meant to be more nostalgic, using sound effects from the older internet connections and the classic "Welcome" and "You've got mail" sound effects.
Part 2 talks about issues with connectivity, as a frustrated drummer talks about problems that arrise with trying to connect to the internet. This section of the show also talks about how the technology is improving and connections are becoming faster and more powerful.
Part 3 is meant to remind the performers and the audience that no matter how alone we sometimes feel, we have many friends and family members that we can connect to with a touch of a button.
Part 4 talks about the future. Computers and the internet have changed our lives so much, and it is amazing to think about what the future may bring...
2011 Competitive Results
Westminster Show - 1st out of 16
Mission Hills Show - 1st out of 5
Jurupa Valley Show - 3rd out of 7
Mission Hills Show - 8th out of 11
The Drumline started the year off with a bang, receiving 1st place at their first 2 competitions of the season. After moving up a division, the competition got much tougher... as you can see.
2011 MVPsDaryl – 6 years of drumline dedication.
Karen – Thank you for your awesomeness.
Juan - Locking it down on drum set.
