From April 10 to 13, 2025, Pacifica High School’s drumline made history by traveling to Dayton, Ohio, to compete in the prestigious Winter Guard International (WGI) World Championships. This was the first time in over a decade that the drumline had competed out of state, marking a significant milestone for the program, which is once again rising to the top in its division.
For years, Pacifica High School’s drumline was a powerhouse that attend Nationals, and after a few years of rebuilding, they are now back on the map, performing at the highest level in the Open Class Division. This year’s show, Legends, pays tribute to the legacy of Pacifica’s drumline, a tradition shaped not only by student dedication but also by the guidance of an incredible instructional team. Led by Caption Head Connie Truong, instructors Allie Huerta (Front Ensemble), Frankie Fabiyi (Bass), Jack May (Tenors/Battery Head), Kaleb Roney (Snares), and Akira Torrijos (Cymbals/Visuals) helped shape every rehearsal into a step toward excellence.
The Road to Dayton
The journey to Dayton began with a late-night flight from LAX. Originally planning two flights, the team opted for a one-way direct flight at the last minute, arriving at 5 a.m. after a four-hour flight and a three-hour time change. “Waiting around in the airport was boring, especially with the excitement of the trip,” said Bass Captain Kyle Ha. Many students pulled all-nighters, but the return trip was smoother, with layovers in Atlanta giving the team a chance to relax and explore the airports.
Despite the challenges of travel, there was a lot of excitement for the competition. Senior Kaitlyn Nguyen, Pit Captain, reflected on the journey: “We were all so excited, not just for the competition, but for the memories we would make.” With leadership from Drum Captain Ethan Lee, co-captains Lillian Allen and Jessie Nguyen, Bass Captain Kyle Ha, Cymbal Section Leader Emilio Hernandez Flores, and Visual Captains Adison Waddington and Marz Carranza, the team stayed motivated and focused as they prepared for their first competition in Dayton in over a decade.
A Weekend Beyond Competing
Though the competition was a major highlight, the students also enjoyed the opportunity to experience a new side of the drumline world. They had the chance to watch incredible shows from other top teams across the nation, an experience that proved especially impactful for juniors and underclassmen preparing for future seasons. In addition, the drumline was supported every step of the way by families and boosters, who prepared home-cooked meals and created a warm, welcoming atmosphere even thousands of miles from home. These moments, filled with friendship, pride, and gratitude, will stay with the performers long after the season ends.
Although the competition has ended, Pacifica’s 11th place achievement among over 100 schools across the nation, with a score of 88.325, marks an amazing milestone in their journey. This accomplishment not only reflects their dedication and hardwork all throughout the season, but it also serves as a stepping stone towards an even greater success for years to come.
The memories and experiences gained in Dayton will continue to inspire Pacifica’s drumline for years to come. The team is already looking toward the future, building on the momentum from this milestone moment. With dedicated instructors, passionate student leaders, and a growing legacy behind them, Pacifica’s drumline is once again marching proudly into a bright future.