| | Published February 18th, 2008
| Drum Line Brings More Rhythm to Acalanes Sports
| | By Jean Follmer |  | | Photo Robin Schoettler Fox
| Acalanes High School has a new athletic club this year. The Drum Line has literally brought a new rhythm to the sports programs at Acalanes. The Athletic Department was looking for ways to further boost school spirit at games and the Drum Line seems to have accomplished that goal.
Drum Line is the brainchild of Acalanes math teacher Vicki Zalewski. When she’s not teaching math, Zalewski plays the drums semi-professionally for Community Women's Orchestra, Oakland Community Orchestra, San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band, San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, and local church ensembles. “I’ve been playing the drums for 37 years. I was a drummer in the University of Wisconsin marching band and I was the first woman snare drummer there,” says Zalewski.
Zalewski says the Drum Line Club began soliciting members at Club Day. The Club has grown from 17 to 21 members over the course of the year. She was pleased to have two freshmen join the Drum Line last week. Only five of the Drum Line members play an instrument in the band or at home: the rest have learned this year. “The Drum Line gives students a chance to participate that may not normally participate actively. I’m working with them on their technique. Some of them are surprised by how hard the drums are to play,” explains Zalewski. She says that the Drum Line plays some pieces that are written by students. During the Acalanes-Campolindo game, the Drum Line played “Flight of the Bumble G” written by student drummer Will Prinzi. The Drum Line Club practices Monday after school and Friday during lunch. The equipment has been paid for by the Athletic Department with funds that were set aside specifically for clubs.
Junior Clark Kami joined the Drum Line this year and is really enjoying the experience. “I’ve been playing drum kit at home for two years. I’m definitely continuing with it (Drum Line) next year,” said Kami, adding that he believes the Drum Line has increased attendance at games. He says he has friends who didn’t attend games in the past that do now just to listen to the Drum Line.
Senior Danielle Burnstein is an experienced drummer. “I’ve been playing drums since the 3rd grade. I played drums in the Jazz Ensemble in middle school,” she says. She agrees that the Drum Line has had a positive impact on athletics at Acalanes. “It’s been great. People come to the games now just to hear the Drum Line. Also, it’s just fun. We want high school to be fun,” adds Burnstein.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA