Sunday, Aug. 14, the SM North drumline performed at the Greater Kansas City Race for the Cure at Union Station. They were the first drumline invited to perform at the event. There were more than 25,000 participants and spectators attending the race. 13 students participated, including three tenor drum, five snare drum and five bass drum players.

   Band teacher Chad Reed said North’s involvement was due to the request of a parent.

   “One of the coordinators is a parent of a student on the drumline,” Reed said. “She requested in May if we were available, and everything got set up in late July for them to perform at the race for the cure walk.”

   Paula Hoffman is the parent and coordinator who requested North’s performance. She said the decision to have North perform was based upon she and the race committee’s belief that the race should be a joyous occasion.

   “I have seen them (North drumline) perform and have been very impressed with the teens and their dedication,” Hoffman said. “As a race committee member we really like to see the race as a time to celebrate survivors and those who have lost their battle. We thought that a great way to do this would be to have a drumline to encourage people to celebrate and dance.”

   Reed said the drumline students had to meet at North at 5:30 a.m. and get to Union Station before they shut the roads down at six.

   “I have a lot of respect for them getting up that early on a Sunday and making that effort,” Reed said.

   Hoffman said North’s drumline gave a new energy to the crowd.

   “They played for two hours at the finish line which encouraged people as they crossed to keep going with their celebration,” Hoffman said. “A lot of people stopped to dance and just enjoy the music. At the very end they lead the Breast Cancer survivors on their parade from the survivor pavilion to the main stage area for their celebration.”

   Junior Gabe Alejos plays the tenor on drumline. Alejos said he had fun and enjoyed the comments he received from the participants.

   “I did like the performance,” Alejos said. “Multiple times after people got to the finish line they would tell us that they were happy that we were out there.”

   Reed said that he has received positive feedback on North’s performance.

   “We’ve heard nothing but rave reviews,” Reed said. “It just added another element of excitement. It was a really good event and a really positive experience for them.”

   Hoffman said the participants had great enthusiasm in response to North being there.

   “They were surprised to see teens at the race that early and being so talented,” Hoffman said. “The drummers didn’t complain they just kept playing and having fun which really added to the excitement of race participants.”

   Junior Thomas Row plays the snare drum on North’s drumline. Row was inspired by the participants and the cause.

   “It was amazing seeing all of these people who have overcome breast cancer running five kilometers faster than I can do them,” Row said. “A lot of the runners came up and took pictures and videos with us. It was such a great feeling having breast cancer survivors thanking us for playing for them.”

   Hoffman said she is still receiving praise for North’s performance.

   “Even weeks later I’m still receiving emails and calls from people saying how great they were,” Hoffman said, “how impressed they were with their talent and dedication and even others wanting to know how they can get the drumline to perform for their charity events. It’s a great compliment to the school and the band directors for having great role models in these teens.”

   Like others, Alejos has witnessed the effects of breast cancer on a family member and therefore appreciates the cause.

   “I think it’s a really good cause,” said Alejos. “My aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago and this year is going to be her second year anniversary of beating cancer.”

   Amber Bourek from “Komen Greater Kansas City” said North did a great job and had a positive effect on the participants.

   “People liked them at the end of the race as well as leading the Survivor Parade,” Bourek said. “Not only were the students talented but they also provided recognition for people accomplishing the race. Their role in the Survivor Parade made it more organized but also made people stop and pay attention to why we do the race, to honor the breast cancer survivors.”