Band competition features drum lines, dance teams in Tri-City Throwdown
Photo by Tevin Stinson
Members of the Mo Lucas Boss Drummers (MLBD) perform during the Tri-City Throwdown on Saturday, March 19 at Carver High School. MLBD is a community drum line from Winston-Salem.
BY TEVIN STINSON
THE CHRONICLE
Hundreds of parents and other family members filed into Carver High School gymnasium Saturday afternoon to watch some of the most talented drum lines and dance teams compete for bragging rights during the Tri-City Throwdown.
The band and dance competition which featured bands and dance teams from the Triad and Triangle areas was sponsored by band boosters from Carver and Aycock Middle School, located in Greensboro. Executive director of the Aycock Marching Pride of Excellence said when Carver band booster club approached her with the idea, she and other supporters of the band jumped at the chance.
“We have been looking to be a part of something like this for a long time,” she said. “This entire day has just been amazing.”
For more than three hours the booming sound of bass drums and clash of symbols echoed from inside the Alfred Poe gym. Drum lines that performed included T.W. Andrews High School, Dudley High School, and Warren County. A number of community drum lines that are not affiliated with a school competed as well.
The dance competition featured the Twirling Divas from Greensboro, Starlight Dancers from High Point and the Lady of Lordz Dancers from Winston-Salem. Other featured guest performers included the Educate Dancerz, Winston-Salem State University’s drum line and dancers, and of course Carver and Aycock, who did not compete because they are the host schools.
Carver band director Juan Eckard said the partnership with Aycock is just the beginning. According to Eckard the school will host a similar competition in the fall.
“This is just the beginning,” said Eckard. “We hope to continue this year after year.”
Money raised from ticket sales and concessions will go to the band programs at Aycock and Carver. Following the event a number of parents told The Chronicle that they enjoyed the event because it gave the young performers a chance to showcase all the hard work they put into learning their craft.
“These kids spend a lot of time practicing and trying to get better at what they do,” Ashley Johnson from High Point said.
“It’s nice to see them get chance to put on a show for their family and friends. This was a wonderful idea and I look forward to coming back in the future.”
