2nd annual 'Who Wants the Smoke' drumline competition is Jan. 13

The world of high school marching band opened a lot of doors for Brian D. Smith, and for a second year he’s found a way to open some for today’s youth — especially those in school drumlines.

“Marching band opened a lot of doors for me, and I’m just returning a favor to the other kids and showing them that if you stick with something positive, doors can come open for you as well,” said Smith, whose Blueheart Foundation 334 is presenting the second annual “Who Wants the Smoke” showcase.

On Saturday, Jan. 13, from noon to 4 p.m. high school drumlines from across the River Region and beyond will be blowing the roof off the Armory Learning Arts Center, 1018 Madison Ave., Montgomery.

“This year we’re doing something different. We’re going to have a junior high (Brewbaker Middle School) open up the whole competition of the high schools,” Smith said.

There are currently 11 high school drumlines that will perform on the Armory stage, which Smith said is the perfect place.

“We’re putting them all under one roof,” Smith said. “There’s going to be three rounds where each drumline competes in front of the judges.”

Along with local bands, Smith said he’s got drumlines coming from Birmingham and Union Springs. The Drum Nation drum school band from Tuscaloosa — made up of high school, junior high and elementary musicians — will also be there.

Along with honor and respect, the best drumlines will get trophies — 6 ft. tall one for first place, 5 ft. tall one for second, and a 4 ft. tall one for third.  They’ll also have awards for best snares, best tenors, best quads, best brass drums, and best cymbals.

Smith said the musicians also have a shot at being awarded college scholarships. He said it was like an NBA draft for bandmembers.

“As soon as they’re done competing, they can talk to a drum instructor for whatever school they want. They’re going to be there,” Smith said. “They can apply for a scholarship right then and there on site.”

Audience admission to the competition is $12, and you can pay online at eventbrite.com.

Beyond the glory and awards, Smith said the hard work marching band members put in is a blessing to both themselves and their communities. Smith, who only had his mother growing up, was in marching band in his youth. He said it kept him out of trouble and provided a college scholarship for him.

“Going to school, going to practice, and then by the time they get home they’re too tired to do anything else… Marching band saved my life,” said Smith.

Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel covers things to do in the River Region. Contact him at sheupel@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: 2nd annual 'Who Wants the Smoke' drumline competition is Jan. 13