DLC Contest Showcases Talent and Teamwork at Anda Plaza

DLC Contest Showcases Talent and Teamwork at Anda Plaza

By Michelle Deloso

The Drum and Lyre Corps (DLC) contest is one of the most exciting school activities where students are able to showcase their talents in music, movement, and teamwork. It is an event that brings together students from different schools who share a passion for performing and expressing themselves through rhythm and coordinated marching. On March 12, 2026, students, teachers, parents, and members of the community gathered at Anda Plaza to witness the performances of three competing schools. The event became a celebration of dedication, creativity, and cooperation as each group presented their carefully prepared routines.

A Drum and Lyre Corps is a group of students who perform music while marching and moving together in formation. During a performance, members play different musical instruments such as drums, lyres, cymbals, and other percussion instruments. While playing, they march in synchronized steps and create formations that change throughout the routine. These formations are designed to produce visually appealing patterns for the audience to watch. The combination of music, rhythm, and coordinated movement makes a DLC performance both entertaining and impressive.

Being part of a Drum and Lyre Corps requires dedication, discipline, and patience. Members must attend many practice sessions in order to master their roles. They need to memorize their steps, follow precise timing, and maintain proper spacing while marching. The success of a performance depends on how well each member performs their part. Even a small mistake can affect the entire formation or disrupt the rhythm of the music. Because of this, teamwork and cooperation are very important in a DLC group. Every member must rely on one another to create a smooth and organized performance.

Preparing for a DLC contest is not easy. Weeks before the competition, students from the participating schools spent many hours practicing their routines. They rehearsed their steps repeatedly to ensure that their movements would be synchronized. They also practiced their musical pieces to make sure the sound of their instruments blended well together. These preparations required patience and perseverance, but the students continued to practice because they wanted to perform their best during the contest.

The DLC contest was held at Anda Plaza, which served as the main venue for the event. The plaza provided a wide open space where the performers could freely march and create their formations. It also allowed the audience to clearly see every movement and pattern created by the groups. On the day of the event, the plaza was filled with excitement. People gathered early to secure good viewing spots, and the atmosphere became lively as everyone waited for the performances to begin.

Three schools participated in the competition: Anda High School, Candabong National High School, and Badiang National High School. Each school prepared a unique routine that reflected their creativity, discipline, and teamwork. The performances were judged based on several criteria, including synchronization, choreography, musicality, uniforms, production design, and overall presentation. Each group hoped to impress the judges and bring pride to their school.

The first school to perform was Anda High School. As they entered the performance area, the members stood proudly in formation while holding their instruments. Their uniforms were neatly worn, and their posture showed that they were ready to begin. The audience became quiet as the performers prepared to start their routine.

When the music began, the group started marching in rhythm while playing their instruments. Their movements were steady and organized as they followed the beat of the music. The performers carefully maintained their spacing while marching across the plaza. From the beginning of the routine, it was clear that the group had practiced well and was determined to deliver a good performance.

As the routine continued, the members transitioned into different formations. They moved from one position to another while maintaining their alignment and coordination. These formations were carefully arranged so that the audience could clearly see the patterns created by the group. The smooth transitions between formations showed the teamwork and cooperation of the performers.

The music played by the group filled the plaza with energy. The sounds of the different instruments blended together to create a strong and steady rhythm. The performers followed this rhythm while marching, making their routine look synchronized and organized. The audience watched attentively as the group continued their presentation.

One of the highlights of Anda High School’s performance was the teamwork displayed by the members. Each student played an important role in maintaining the group’s formation and rhythm. Their coordination allowed the routine to flow smoothly from one part to another.

Another unique feature of their performance was their band master. During the routine, the band master stood at the front of the group and danced while leading the performers. The band master moved energetically to the rhythm of the music, adding excitement to the presentation. The dance steps were simple but lively, which made the performance more engaging for the audience.

Because of the band master’s entertaining performance, Anda High School received the Band Master Award. Their routine showed strong teamwork and preparation, which impressed the judges and the audience. At the end of the contest, they were awarded Third Place for their performance. Their dedication and effort were evident throughout their routine, making their presentation enjoyable to watch.

The second school to perform was Candabong National High School. As they entered the performance area, the audience immediately noticed their confident presence. The members stood proudly while holding their instruments, showing that they were ready to give their best performance.

When the music began, Candabong National High School started their routine with energetic movements. Their marching steps were lively and strong, and their rhythm was clear and consistent. The performers moved together with confidence while playing their instruments, creating a powerful musical sound that echoed throughout the plaza.

One of the most noticeable aspects of their performance was their energy. The members performed with enthusiasm and passion. Even while marching and focusing on their movements, they continued to smile. Their smiles showed that they enjoyed performing, and this positive energy made the audience enjoy watching them even more.

Their choreography was also very impressive. The group performed creative movements while maintaining their formations. They moved quickly but remained organized and coordinated. The transitions between their formations were smooth and carefully planned, which demonstrated their extensive preparation.

The sound produced by their instruments was clear and balanced. Each instrument contributed to the overall musical performance, creating a rhythm that remained consistent throughout the routine. Their musical presentation matched their movements perfectly, making their performance both visually and musically impressive.

Because of their excellent coordination, Candabong National High School received the Best in Synchronization award. Their movements and music were perfectly matched, making their routine look well organized and polished.

They also received the Best in Choreography award because of their creative and energetic movements. Their routine included interesting patterns and lively marching steps that captured the attention of the audience.

Another award they received was Best in Musicality. This award recognized how well the sounds of their instruments blended together to produce a strong and balanced musical performance. Their rhythm remained steady throughout the routine, which helped maintain the energy of the presentation.

Because of their outstanding performance, Candabong National High School was declared the Champion of the DLC Contest. Their routine stood out because of their enthusiasm, coordination, and confidence. The judges were impressed by how well they combined music and movement to create an exciting and memorable presentation.

The last school to perform was Badiang National High School. As they entered the performance area, the audience immediately noticed their colorful and well-designed uniforms. The members stood in formation while holding their instruments, and their neat appearance made a strong impression on the crowd.

When the music started, the performers began their routine with steady and controlled movements. Their marching steps were precise, and their formations were clearly organized. The group showed strong discipline as they moved together across the performance area.

One of the most impressive parts of their routine was their production design. During the performance, the members created different formations that formed beautiful patterns on the ground. These formations changed several times throughout the routine, creating visually appealing designs for the audience to watch.

The transitions between these formations were smooth and organized. The performers moved quickly but maintained their spacing and alignment. Their ability to shift from one pattern to another without losing coordination showed their teamwork and preparation.

Their uniforms also attracted attention during the performance. The designs were neat and attractive, and the bright colors made them stand out while marching across the plaza. Because of their impressive appearance, Badiang National High School received the Best in Uniform award.

Another highlight of their performance was their Corp Majorette. The majorette performed confidently at the front of the group while guiding the performers. Her movements were graceful and expressive as she followed the rhythm of the music. She captured the attention of the audience with her elegant performance.

Because of her outstanding performance, Badiang National High School received the Best in Corp Majorette award. Her confidence and stage presence added excitement and elegance to the group’s routine.

The group also received the Best in Production Design award because of their creative formations and well-organized presentation. The patterns they created during their performance were visually impressive and showed the careful planning behind their routine.

With their strong and well-executed presentation, Badiang National High School won First Place in the contest. Their routine demonstrated discipline, preparation, and teamwork. The performers showed great effort in delivering a performance that impressed both the judges and the audience.

The DLC contest held at Anda Plaza became a memorable event for everyone who attended. The performances of the three schools showed the hard work and dedication of the students who participated. Each group presented a routine that reflected weeks of practice and preparation.

Events like the Drum and Lyre Corps contest play an important role in developing students’ skills and character. Through participation in such activities, students learn discipline, teamwork, patience, and responsibility. They learn how to work together to achieve a common goal and how to support one another during challenges.

Participating in a performance also helps students gain confidence. Standing in front of a large audience can be challenging, but it allows students to overcome their fears and become more comfortable expressing themselves. These experiences can help them grow both personally and academically.

The contest also allows students to express their creativity and talent. Through music and movement, they can present ideas and emotions that entertain and inspire others. The audience is able to appreciate the effort and dedication behind each performance.

In addition to the performers, the contest also highlighted the support of teachers, coaches, and parents who helped guide the students during their preparation. Their encouragement and guidance played an important role in helping the performers achieve their goals.

The event also brought together members of the community who gathered to support the participating schools. Their cheers and applause created a lively atmosphere that motivated the performers to give their best.

In conclusion, the DLC contest held at Anda Plaza on March 12, 2026, was a successful and exciting event that celebrated the talents and dedication of student performers. Anda High School received the Band Master Award and Third Place, Badiang National High School won First Place along with several special awards, and Candabong National High School impressed the judges and audience and was declared the Champion of the contest.

The performances of the three schools demonstrated how teamwork, preparation, and confidence can create an outstanding presentation. The dedication and effort of the students made the event a memorable experience for everyone who attended. Through music, movement, and cooperation, the Drum and Lyre Corps contest showed that when students work together and believe in their abilities, they can create performances that are both inspiring and enjoyable.