Troy Shantz
The Colts Drum Line is at risk of folding if it can’t find a permanent place to hold practices and store its equipment.
Founded in 2008 as an extracurricular program at St. Clair Secondary, the Colts Drum Line offers musical and life-skill training through group classes, competitions, and community performances.
But following the amalgamation of St. Clair and SCITS last year it was decided the percussion group wouldn’t be part of the programming offered at the newly combined Great Lakes Secondary.
“Our gear is stored in a U-Haul storage facility and we’re trying to find a place,” said director Shawn Bryan.
“If you want to hire us for a parade, do you want a group that hasn’t practiced in three month or do you want a group that’s well rehearsed and going to put on a good show?”
Bryan said the drumline needs space that’s at least 10 by 10 feet to store equipment and an additional room to practice in that’s large enough for 12 to 15 youths and their instruments. Another requirement is a ceiling of at least 10 feet for the colour guard’s equipment tosses.
Bryan said he doesn’t give up easy, but if they can’t find a space the group will eventually run out of finances to cover the storage unit, and the equipment and instruments will have to be sold.