Local Drumline Struggles to Keep Up With the Beat of the Drums

Drum roll please...for the award-winning Mid-City Excellence drum-line. The team turned out a percussion-packed performance at Missouri Western. Playing to the beat of their own drums... that`s what the Mid-City Excellence drumeline, in collaboration with Alford Music, is all about. "When people call..they ask us to come out and do stuff like we did today...and we`ll bring in the kids. We have kids ranging from 6-years old to middle school and kids getting ready to go into high school," says Bryan Alford, Drumeline Coach and Owner of Alford Music. Some of these kids have been part of the drumline since it started more than a year ago. And they can`t imagine...where they`d be without it. "It`s something fun to do and it will keep you off the streets," says Drumline member, Jordan Alford. "I`d be in the house bored...sitting and watching tv," says Drumline member, London Poston. Unfortunately - spending a summer without this drumline could become a reality. Drumline coordinators say without enough funds....this beat could stop. "Sometimes we have to stop because of funding. I wish people could just help them out," says Bryan. But to keep the drums on a roll...this group does whatever it can to improvise. Even if that means making music with trash cans. "Right now we`re playing on trash cans and stuff like that. In order to get the drumeline going it`s going to cost thousands of dollars. For example one marching snare drum...for the drum with the carrier..it`s like $400. That`s just for one and we`re servicing at least 100-kids," adds Bryan. Even though the lack of funds interrupts the beat of these drums...this team hopes the sound of need...is heard loud and clear. To donate or get involved with the Midcity Excellence drumline or Alford Music you can call (816)676-1239 or visit www.alfordmusic.com.