What is Minarets without its drumline? The percussion class of Minarets takes the new stage with its new ways to improve the school and show some school spirit. Percussion is a class led by Bill Samuelson, one of Minarets' music teachers, the class practices songs and chants that are upbeat and thrilling. This thrill is most definitely needed at Minarets. With the help of the drumline, who have teamed up with the cheer team to involve the crowd in the games, football games are more exhilarating than ever.
Samuelson has noted that he plans on involving the drumline in other events, like
basketball games and concert festivals. Samuelson wishes to restart the music program at Minarets. any questions may be asked about how to join the drumline at Minarets, it is pretty easy, the percussion class has an actual period during the school day that allows the time for students to practice. You just apply for the class and viola, you are now involved with drumline. Samuelson has also stated, “Percussion is a great place to start, because sometimes people can just jump right in if they have a natural sense. So, you can sound pretty good, pretty quickly. It doesn’t take the same amount of skill like playing an oboe or playing a flute.” This being said, it is easy! It is easy to join the team and involve yourself in Minarets and that Mustang Mentality. Show some school spirit.
Samuelson has many ideas to improve the music department, to express more of the drumline and the abilities that it may unintentionally promote. Music helps make high school fun and exciting, allows students to be involved and explore themselves. Samuelson wishes for a choir, concert band, marching band, and a marching percussion team. Samuelson has expressed that music is a lot of fun, it’s exciting and exhilarating. He loves to coordinate with the cheerleaders to improve dynamics and connections at Minarets. With the experiences of Samuelson; who played guitar, piano, and trumpet as a child and has a master's in Music; it is apprised that the music department will improve.
Samuelson does wish that the department will grow but is very happy with this year’s percussion team. He thinks that his students are doing the best they can and showing their most genuine interest in the school and expressing their school spirit. He loves the progression of the percussion team.
Fabian Trevino, a senior and a Center Snare on the drumline has stated that since he is in charge of keeping the snare line in check, as well as making sure the whole drumline sounds good; he is involved with his drumline and his communication with the percussion teacher, Samuelson. Trevino started percussion, which he likes to call it; “ before he ever picked up a pair of drumsticks.” He has stated that he would always tap on his legs or any other objects to create a beat. Officially, Fabian started percussion during his freshman year at Clovis West, where he found out quickly he loved to play percussion and loved the atmosphere.
Fabian’s time at Minarets has been somewhat of a journey. After leaving only a week into his Sophomore year due to having no sort of program regarding marching band or percussion, he sought out a school that had the programs of his dreams and allowed him to explore more of his own skills and abilities. Fabian’s journey started with the talk of a new drumline program at Minarets during his junior year. His mother told him to bring life back into the program and explore the possibilities of such a small school. Trevino has stated that he is very glad that he is part of such an amazing program.
Trevino has stated that he feels pretty good about this year’s drumline. He is happy to have opportunities to perform at football games and other big events. Trevino wishes for a final goal for his last year of high school, he wishes to leave a mark on the drumline for the following years to come. He has stated; “I can walk that stage and get my diploma knowing that with the help I brought back something that nobody thought was good and made it ten times better than it was. That I did as much as I can to make sure the Minarets Drumline is set up for success for years and years to come, that way the next generation of drummers can feel proud to be a part of an awesome program and feel the passion and love.” Now, the drumline includes all those who put their time and effort to make sure it is a great program. The drumline is key to improving social connections and a bond that includes the effort of all its drummers. So, it is greatly appreciated that such a program can exist and implore the true meaning of Mustang Mentality, “Go Big, Go Pro, Go Now.”