The Woodinville High School Drumline, which has been a staple of the Woodinville community and a point of local pride for decades, has currently lost the teacher and instructor of its Percussion Ensemble class, Mr. Darren Meucci, due to Northshore School District budget cuts. 

As a result, 25 students have been left teacherless, and multiple students have transferred out  of the class because of the absence of a teacher. Our band teacher, Mr. Loren Tanksley, is currently expected to teach both the Symphonic Band and Percussion Ensemble classes at the same time, but he cannot physically be in two classrooms at once. Additionally, having a percussion specialist as our instructor is what has allowed our Drumline to be as refined and capable as we currently are. With the absence of a teacher, we will most likely not be able to participate in the community events we regularly perform at, including the Woodinville Turkey Trot and the Schools In Rhythm Concert. 

The Woodinville Drumline is a major source of school spirit, from playing at state sendoffs to hyping up the student section during 3rd quarter at football games. The Woodinville Drumline also often travels to playoff games to support our football team, sometimes independently from the rest of the band. Countless community members and families have approached us saying that the Drumline and Percussion Ensemble is their favorite part of the football games and concerts, and that they always look forward to seeing us perform. Drumming is unique in band because it is high-energy, physically demanding, and visually performative. Without a teacher, we will not be able to keep up the amount of organization required for this high-level performance. Currently, we are almost completely student-led and taught, which is hard on our seniors, upperclassmen, and me personally as the Drumline Captain.

According to Section B of the Northshore School District Rights and Responsibilities Handbook, all students have the right to, "Receive high quality instruction that is comprehensible and appropriate to my level of academic development" (Pp. 6, 2025-2026 Student R&R Handbook). As much as we love our band teacher Mr. Tanksley, he does not know how to play drums, and therefore cannot provide us the high quality instruction appropriate to our level of development. Therefore, I ask all Woodinville students, families, and community members to sign this petition with their full printed name and email so that Woodinville can continue to have our Drumline perform in our community. 

Thank you,

Lila White, WHS student and Drumline Captain

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The Woodinville High School Drumline