BHS Drumline captures MPA championship title with powerful ‘One Dot’ performance

For the second year in a row, Burnsville High School Drumline took first place at the Minnesota Percussion Association (MPA) Championships, held at the Rochester Mayo Civic Center on April 11.

Fifty students in grades 8-12 performed in this year’s show, called "One Dot," which explores the journey from oneness and isolation to the realization that, by coming together, our collective power can make something much more.  

Seniors Exie Soundara and Jacob Lara won MPA scholarships, and junior Kerry Crawford was awarded a cash prize for her essay submission to the MPA IDEAS (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Social Justice) Award. Kerry was one of four students to receive the award, which aims at fostering a positive and equitable experience in the music circuit.  

“Winning back-to-back titles is incredibly special and so hard to do because we compete against so many amazing, well-established groups,” said Paul Connell, BHS marching band and drumline director.

“For this show, students confronted some big ideas about identity, connection. And watching them bring ‘One Dot' to life was a special experience,” added Connell. “During the performance, some of the students engaged in live painting in our version of pointillism to create the message, ‘I AM BECAUSE WE ARE.’ It was a reminder of why we do this work. Students literally left their mark on the show, making the concept of collective power real and visible.” 

This year, drumline has had multiple strong finishes, including securing first place at MPA Prelims on March 28. This was the first time since 2010 that Burnsville won back-to-back titles, resulting in its ninth title and receiving one of the highest scores in school history.