Drums are the world’s oldest musical instruments, but it’s the modernization of their use that has put the Pike County High School on the front line of drum lines.

Their latest battle was at Barbour County High School and the Pike County High drum line students walked away winners. They picked up best section awards for snares, quads, tenor drums and cymbals.

They also earned the highest honor, taking home the first place overall trophy.

“I loved getting to take my students to a competition like this because it is more in line with what we do as a band,” said the group’s director Jimmy Oliver.

Oliver explained that the Pike County High group is a show-style band that is high-stepping. The members perform popular music heard on the radio.

Keon Smith, 16, is a first -ime drum line member who also plays trumpet in the school’s band.  He said the competition from Barbour County High, Bullock County High and the Chattahoochee Valley All-Star Drum Line was stiff.

Smith said he enjoyed the competition because he was able to make new friends and do something he loves.

“I love music because I can express my individuality and when I am upset, I can always find a song to make me happy again,” Smith said.

Gregory Dees, 15, is also a first time drum line member. He also plays saxophone and trombone in Pike County High’s band.

Dees said competitions such as the one at Barbour County are good for the group because they are able to watch others’ strengths and weaknesses and learn from them.

Dees added he loves the drum line and band because it is one more way to incorporate music into his life.

“It’s a nice way to relax and a wonderful sensation to hear all these different notes come together to make such a beautiful sound,” Dees said.

This is the third year on the drum line for 15-year-old Quaterius Flowers. He said he loves to perform in front of a lot of people and, although he is happy about the group’s recent win, it doesn’t mean they can relax.

“Winning always makes me feel good, but there is always room for improvement if you want to keep winning,” Flowers said.

The Pike County High drum line will have their next shot at success on Feb. 25 at 5 p.m. when the school hosts it’s own Battle of the Drum Lines as a fund-raiser for the music program. Tickets will be $5 and will feature the groups that competed in the Barbour County High competition last weekend and possibly a few groups from Montgomery.