With intense focus and sweat dripping down their backs, the OHS percussion ensemble prepared to execute their show for Mozingo Saturday, Aug. 26 at Eureka High School

Around noon, the percussionists played this year’s show, called “Up, Up, and Away”, a performance focused on adventure, flying, and imagination. As an early performance in the season, scoring results would be crucial to determining their standpoint in the year so far.

“We all performed to the best of our abilities, and I thought we were all very happy walking off the field,” stated Curtis Halbrook (12) proudly. Halbrook has been a member of the drumline for four years, and is the visual section leader of the line.

The ensemble concluded with winning a score of 78.00, and third place out of the seven ensembles in their division. In addition, they achieved the award of ‘Best Bass Line,’ meaning Oakville’s four person line of basses ranked top over all of the other schools.

“It was the best run of the show that we’ve had yet,” said Duncan Hall (12), bass section leader and drumline member for three years.

Mozingo is a unique competition that revolves solely around the drumlines and front ensembles of high school bands. Its purpose is to give feedback to its young competitors early to guide them throughout the rest of the marching season. Though the OHS drumline and front ensemble feels their season is off to a great start, they still keep in mind that the hard work is not yet brought to an end.

Oakville’s percussion instructor, Mr. Pieper, keeps the kids on their feet. “You always have to remember that there is always someone better than you out there,” he asserted. Pieper still pushes the percussion section to give its all every time. He admits that overall, though, it was still a “great start to the season.”