In 2011, a standout performance by five drummers from Florida’s Lake Howell High School captured our attention at The Music Man. Their talent show act was an electrifying showcase of rhythm and humor, blending non-stop drumming with inventive skits and impressive beats.
Dressed in kilts, Nigel, Dylan, Matt, Elias, and Jordan took the stage with five snare drums, immediately setting the bar high with their first side-stick rhythm. The performance was a visual and auditory treat, featuring everything from side taps and stick flips to creative sounds like galloping horses, all against the backdrop of a silent, captivated audience.
When the drummers transitioned into their main grooves, their beats resembled machine-gun fire, thrilling the crowd with their rhythmic chaos. Remarkably, this intricate and engaging routine was put together in under a week.
The performance was also laced with comedic moments. As each drummer executed snare rolls, one performer hilariously missed his cue and received a playful kick to get back on track. Their routine included amusing dance moves and a sequence where the drummers ran in circles around their instruments, all while keeping the rhythm flawless.
The crowd roared with laughter when the drummers broke from their drumming to perform a spirited rendition of Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up.” One drummer humorously announced, “Awh I lost the game!” adding to the fun. Their antics included drum solos that showcased individual talent, with one drummer even juggling sticks and playing with his face, and another adding dramatic flair by tapping each other’s drums.
To cap off their performance, the boys gave the audience a playful mooning, revealing they had thoughtfully worn underwear beneath their kilts. Their infectious energy and creativity paid off, as they won the talent show and earned over 29.6 million views on YouTube.
At The Music Man, we’re still thrilled by this performance, which remains a shining example of high school talent and showmanship.