For anyone who’s cheered on the Monarchs’ football team at Foothill College or at the annual night football game over the past few years, the band’s music has become a familiar presence from the stands or during halftime performances. However, this season, you may have noticed that a new, drum-focused group of students has taken their place.

This change marks the introduction of the King’s Guard, a performing arts group created this year and focused specifically on students playing percussion instruments. Mr. Lane Sanders, director of the percussion ensemble, explains that “the Performing Arts Department wanted to create new excitement around music performances at football games, paired with student interest in building a new program.”

The class seeks to give percussionists a chance to refine their skills and feature in performances of their own, differentiating them from their previous position as part of the Wind Ensemble. Beyond that, this program differentiates itself from traditional drumlines because it isn’t confined to becoming a traditional drum corps. Mr. Sanders highlights, “[The ensemble] will morph into what the students make it, and that’s exciting.”

For those interested in checking out their performances, they can find the King’s Guard at a variety of Mitty events, including the Winter and Spring concerts and home football games. At school concerts, the drumline performs alongside other musicians on campus, like the Wind Ensemble and the Orchestra. The group serves as the percussion section for the pieces performed, helping expand the depth of the music.

However, it’s important to note that the King’s Guard is more than just an extension of other existing programs on campus. During varsity football games at Foothill College, the drumline is a key part of the atmosphere, performing at halftime as well as playing throughout the game. Sophomore Parthibh Nair explains that the group functions similarly to a marching band, where the visual aspects of performances are just as important as the music itself. These include techniques like moving in formations, which add another dimension to their presence on the field.

In its first year, the main goal of the King’s Guard is to create more excitement at school events while also establishing a learning environment for its members to hone their skills. Looking ahead, the program hopes to expand its numbers and eventually participate in local percussion circuits and competitions to further showcase the ability of its members.

Fortunately, for students interested in playing percussion or simply looking to get involved with something new on campus, the drumline will be open to new musicians in the upcoming year. Mr. Sanders explains that all one needs to join is a foundational background in music, along with a willingness to adapt and try new things. The program is still fresh and evolving, but as it grows, the King’s Guard has the potential to become a staple of Mitty spirit, cementing itself as a key component of the Performing Arts scene.