The 27 students of the Hilton High School Drumline took first place in the 2013 New York State Percussion Circuit Championship, held April 7 at the Onondaga Community College in Syracuse. Hilton competed in the PSA Division – the highest level of competition for scholastic percussion ensembles in New York state. Twenty ensembles qualified and competed in the event. Other ensembles from the Rochester area included Victor High School (second place), East Irondequoit High School (fifth place), and Webster High School (fifth place PSA-2 Division).
In addition to earning the top score, Hilton also received first place awards for Best General Effect, Best Visual, Best Performance, the Rick Rogers Award for Best Snare Drum Line, and the Yamaha Corporation’s NYSPC Perpetual Drum Trophy awarded to the top scoring percussion ensemble in New York state. The group is directed by Tim Stodd, Hilton music teacher.
The Hilton High School Drumline, currently holding the highest qualifying score in the nation, will soon compete in the WGI World Championships in Dayton, Ohio on April 18 and 19. Before leaving for World Championships, the group presents a free performance on Saturday, April 13 at 2 p.m. at the Hilton High School gymnasium.
