Drums of Thunder Perform in Washington, D.C. March 18-19

With the grand panorama of the nation's Capitol Building as a backdrop, Hillside's 4th and 5th-grade drummers practice for their upcoming performances March 18 and 19.

On March 19, the elite drum corps performed at the Verizon MCI sports arena in Washington, D.C. during halftime of the NBA Washington Wizards basketball game.

The 35 fourth and fifth-grade percussionists also performed a 45-minute show on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on March 18, in the very spot where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.

In the past, the drum corps, which was launched 20 years ago by Hillside music teacher Louis D’Amico, performed numerous times at Madison Square Garden, Giants Stadium, the Continental Arena, and at various locations in Montclair including First Night (New Year’s Eve).

In addition, the group has been hired to perform at political inaugurations, groundbreaking ceremonies and other events throughout New Jersey. The March trip marked the group’s second visit to Washington, D.C.

Said Hillside principal prior to the upcoming Lincoln Memorial performance, "This is sacred ground. For our kids to play in that special place where Dr. King articulated the dream that fueled the powerful civil rights movement is moving beyond words.

"In Montclair, we live the dream every day. And we’re still dreaming … continuing Dr. King’s work that is yet to be done."

WHAT THE DRUMS OF THUNDER IS ALL ABOUT

Founder and director D’Amico is anticipating the Washington, D.C. trip eagerly. "This will be a lifetime experience that all of us in Drums of Thunder, and the entire Montclair community, will never forget," he said.

Drums of Thunder, which routinely garners standing ovations during performances, can be best described as a contemporary mix of drumming styles executed with a level of precision seldom seen among child percussionists.

Though the 35-member group’s composition changes every school year as students graduate, the quality and professionalism is maintained through vigorous daily practice in percussion classes taught by D’Amico.

In the past year, the group performed before sold-out crowds of more than 70,000 NFL Giants fans at Giants Stadium, and made several appearances at Madison Square Garden and Continental Arena for New York Knicks and New Jersey Nets NBA games. Last March, Drums of Thunder also performed in Washington, D.C. at the NBA’s Washington Wizards game against the Utah Jazz, and at the U.S. Capitol for an outdoor show the following day.

In addition to major league sporting events, in recent years the Drums of Thunder has also played at a host of special events including the inaugurations of New Jersey State Governor Christie Whitman, Montclair State University President Susan Cole, and at groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Steel Pier in Atlantic City.

LOUIS D'AMICO'S VISION

Drums of Thunder began in 1980 as the brainchild of Mr. Louis D’Amico. Each year, the group has broken new creative ground and has ventured further out into the performance world. Recently, a booster club of parents was formed to oversee private fund-raising efforts to purchase equipment and cover travel expenses.

To D’Amico, the development of character in his musicians is equal in importance to their skill in drumming.

"Our goal for the program is to provide each child with a strong sense of self-esteem and the pride of accomplishment which comes from practice and hard work," he said. "The members develop team-building skills, which we know are critical to success in careers and throughout life. For many of our members, their participation in Drums of Thunder literally becomes a life altering experience.

"[The Drums of Thunder] represents the best of what the Montclair schools have to offer, and reflects so many aspects of what makes this town special," he said.

For more information about The Drums of Thunder or their upcoming performances, please contact parent coordinator Risa Bernstein at (973) 985-5735 or Louis D’Amico at (732) 768-7481.