BRINGING HOME gold medals from the Drum Corps International World Championships in Indianapolis last week as members of The Spartans Drum and Bugle Corps were these five NRHS Marching Band members and alumni, from left: Alex Mitasev, Raffi Toby, Taleen Toby, Ivan Deiko and Jack Foley. (Courtesy Photo)
INDIANAPOLIS — Five students from North Reading High School’s Marching Band showcased their talent last week at the Drum Corps International World Championships in Indianapolis.
Ivan Deiko, Jack Foley, Alex Mitasev, Raffi Toby and Taleen Toby competed with The Spartans, a drum and bugle corps from Nashua, N.H.
Their journey leading up to the DCI World Championship was marked by a seven-week tour, with 22 performances across 12 states. Their tour ended in Indianapolis, where their hard work translated into a score of 82.2, securing the Open Class World Championship title.
Xylophone player and 2023 NRHS graduate Taleen Toby said, “Winning the Championship was unbelievable, and super gratifying after so much work. I’m so glad I got to do it with my brother and some of my oldest friends.”
Notably, The Spartans not only claimed the overall championship but also won best percussion, best color guard, and best general effect. These achievements underscore the excellence of North Reading Middle and High School Band Director Ben Owens’ mentorship.
“It’s amazing to have North Reading represented in the DCI community,” said Owens. “I’ve been doing drum corps since 2005 and now being able to teach and have my own students march at such a high level makes me so proud. I’m so happy that they got to experience and thrive in the activity that I love so much and I can’t wait to see many more North Reading students participate in the Spartans and other corps in the future.”
To learn more about the Spartans, visit https://spartansdbc.org/
