With anticipation buzzing in the air, the entire arena seemed to hold its breath as each score was announced. Suddenly, cheers and shouts of joy erupt from the Ayala section: a near-perfect score of 99.500.
“It was actually a mind-boggling moment,” Cymbal Section leader Elaina Master (12) said. “We had the feeling that we could win since we had a sweep for the past season, but getting an almost perfect score was absolutely insane.”
From April 10 to 12, 2025, Ayala Drumline performed at the annual Winter Guard International (WGI) Sport of the Arts World Championships in Dayton, Ohio. They set a new record with their high score, leaving behind a strong imprint and memory for the entire program.
“I joined during my sophomore year,” marimba player and Pit Section leader Abigail Banh (12) said. “I am proud of my own progress in technique and leadership in spite of my initial lack of experience, and this year, it truly felt like all of our efforts had paid off in a way that we could not have imagined.”
This year in particular, Ayala’s Drumline had a phenomenal show. “Beholder of the Eyes” consisted of black and gold costumes, and with a rhythm that swayed back and forth. It was almost chaotic, and yet it was delivered with extreme precision making the entire performance captivating.
“I’m most proud of the people I get to work with,” marimba player and Mallet Section leader Ean Ko (12) said. “When I was a freshman, I was taught by my senior section leaders, but now I’m getting to do that same thing to the people in my section, and I just feel really proud to perform with them.”
Every year, the WGI World Championships are held at the University of Dayton in Ohio, with hundreds of indoor color guard, percussion, and wind ensembles from across the US ready to compete. Busy and packed, the competition goes by fast, but it definitely isn’t easy.
“Basically we would wake up at like 6 a.m., get ready, eat breakfast, head over to the UD [University of Dayton] Arena and have our warm up and then perform,” Ko said.
Originally established in 1977, WGI has grown to become the premier organization in the indoor marching arts, often referred to as the “Sport of the Arts.” Having said that, breaking the record with such a high score is an achievement to be proud of, with the countless hours and endless effort each student has poured into the program.
“My best advice to enjoy this program is to live in the moment and don’t stress too much,” Master said. “Make sure you have fun with it. And don’t break our record!”
Ayala’s Drumline has always been renowned, and this record breaking show, along with the graduating seniors have left their legacy behind.
“It isn’t often you get the opportunity to be the best in the world at something,” Banh said. “I hope that in the midst of competition and stress, [the underclassmen] do not forget to take time to appreciate each other and their own growth as players and people.”
