It was March 13, 2025, the night of the fifth-grade spring concert at R. S. Payne Elementary School, when the Dragon Drummers gave their debut performance. The school’s first student drumline played snare, tenor, bass, and djembe drums, filling the auditorium with their lively songs.
Started by teacher Benjamin Hill in January, the Dragon Drummers bring music education outside the classroom—literally. Though the concert marked their first public performance, the group has marched through the halls of the school on more than one occasion, brightening the days of students and teachers alike with their songs.
“Our mission is to bring the energy and spirit of R. S. Payne to life. As we share our music with the wider school, we spread positivity and camaraderie,” Hill said. “The Dragon Drummers program allows students to stretch themselves, work together, uplift their community, and have fun making music.”
A Classroom Innovation Grant, sponsored by the Genworth Foundation through the LCS Education Foundation, funded the drums and branded baseball caps, which lend performances a sense of visual cohesion. These grants provide thousands of dollars each year for teachers to bring their big ideas for educational projects to life. For LCS Education Foundation director Dawn Wise and the committee that reviews grant applications, the decision to fund the program was obvious.
“It’s so neat to see a student’s face light up when they pick up an instrument and imagine all the possibilities that come with making music. These students will remember playing drums through the hallways of their school for years to come, not to mention the teamwork skills they’ll develop along the way,” Wise said. “Programs like these are what Classroom Innovation Grants are all about.”
Once Hill launched the program, students eagerly lined up to audition. Sixteen were selected to participate. Most had never played with an ensemble before, and rehearsals were a learning experience as the group worked collaboratively to refine their pieces.
“Mr. Hill's passion for music is contagious, so when he wrote the grant to bring in a drumline program, students' excitement spread across the school. Students worked hard to audition, and the chosen team is now working so hard toward learning and success,” said R. S. Payne principal Lori McVicar.
The Dragon Drummers have been practicing twice a week since their first rehearsal. Though they only had about a month to prepare for the fifth-grade concert, they played in perfect sync—a testament to Hill’s careful leadership.
Hill started playing drums at age 12 and quickly fell in love with music. After earning a bachelor’s degree in music, he taught at the high school level, directing drumlines in Appomattox, Harrisonburg, and Bedford. As a music teacher at R. S. Payne, he hopes to bring young students the same musical opportunities he had in his formative years. An elementary school drumline is a rare offering that will lay a solid foundation for students to deepen their mastery of music in secondary school and beyond.
“My experience with drums as a kid got me to where I am today. I hope to provide similar opportunities for my students and give them a head start if they decide to continue playing music in middle and high school,” Hill said. “Even if they don’t, the experience on its own is valuable. Music education can bolster academic and social success, helping students develop skills they’ll use their whole lives.”
Hill plans to expand program offerings by providing opportunities for students to engage with the community through public performances and learn from experienced musicians in high school or college drumlines. With glowing reviews from drumline participants and audience members alike, the Dragon Drummers program is sure to continue providing promising opportunities for budding musicians.
“I like that I get to see my friends and that I’m able to play the actual drums in a concert. It is very fun,” said R. S. Payne student Taylor.
