Students interested in being a part of the 2019-20 drill team have taken part in drill team clinics after school from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m in the gym in preparation for tryouts Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“This week [in clinics], they learn dances,” senior drill team officer Mallory Kalka said. “They learn three different dances: a jazz, a military, and a kick. Thursday [was] like a mock tryout. We [told] them how it goes, how it’s going to run and then on Friday is the actual tryout.”

Knowing the process of what it takes to make the team, drill team officers have been actively involved in helping assist hopefuls.

“This week, I kind of help out each dancer learn the dances and if they have any questions on technique or the movements, I help them out,” Kalka said. “I also teach one of the dances which is the military dance.”

While many students are trying out for their first time, others such as freshman Kelly Masucci are trying to be on the team for another year.

“We’ve been practicing in drill team almost everyday and then we practice the tryout dances after school too,” Masucci said. “It really helps because I already know what they’re looking for and what I need to do to score more points. I just hope to improve on my skills and get a higher score than last year.”

Beyond dance ability, there are non-measurables prospective team members hope to put on display.

“Besides the technique, I guess just like a positive attitude,” Kalka said. “Willing to work hard and not give up.”