Multiple Districts — The Godwin Heights High School drumline and a combined Grand Rapids Public Schools drumline called Rhythmic Unison held a drumming duel last week as part of a Let’s Beat Breast Cancer event.
Performing in downtown Grand Rapids’ Rosa Parks Circle, the two groups switched back and forth for about 30 minutes, with both drumlines coming together at the end to perform.
“I thought it was a great opportunity for the students and a chance for us to showcase our band,” said Luke Marlowe, who took over as Godwin Heights’ band director this year.
Cleidy de la Cruz, a Grandville teacher and member of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, which hosted the event, said she organized the program to help kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is October. She reached out to local marching bands and Godwin Heights and the Grand Rapids groups agreed to take part.
Andrew LaJoie, band and choir director at CA Frost Middle High School, said his students were excited to perform for the community. The Grand Rapids drumline was a combined group with students from Ottawa Hills and Union high schools.
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