VIDEO: Carlsbad High Drumline as Hunger Games' District 13 Army

On Thursday, July 9, nine members of the Carlsbad High School drumline and other area high school drummers suited up as members of the District 13 army from the final installment of Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 at Comic-Con. The students were there to help Lionsgate Studio promote the new trailers for their anxiously awaited film.

With a capacity crowd of 6,500 enthusiastic fans in the hall, the drummers blasted into the session with a loud bang, appearing in the back of hall in full uniform, and surprised the audience with “A special Announcement from District 13.”

• WATCH HERE

When the lights came back on, moderator Conan O’Brien arrived on stage and introduced Hunger Games’ director Francis Lawrence, producer Nina Jacobson, Josh Hutcherson, Willow Shields, Liam Hemsworth, and Jennifer Lawrence (who received deafening applause upon her arrival).

CHS and other area drumlines had been assembled by Studio 66 Production, contractors for Lionsgate Studio, to create this special one-of-a-kind experience for the audience at the Hunger Games Trailer Premier and Q&A session in Hall H at Comic-Con.

As the drummers boarded the bus after the show, our organizer received a text from the head of Lionsgate Studio stating, “That was amazing, I’m shaking! Great job!”

• Read the New York Times discusses the uniqueness of the drummers’ performance at Comic-Con here:

“The students had a blast performing at the event and were treated like Hollywood stars during their day at Comic-Con,” said Carlsbad High School Band Peter Manzi.

“I am always looking for opportunities to showcase our students and give them real life experiences in the field of music. This allowed students to experience first hand what it is like working as a professional musician, meeting a time line, and being prepared for every rehearsal and call time.

They made CHS proud by the professionalism, musicianship, and enthusiasm they displayed during the preparation and performance at Comic-Con. It was definitely one of those proud moments of my career.”

“The experience as a whole was one I’ll always remember. It was such a privilege, and we all appreciate this wonderful opportunity,” reported CHS senior Ryan Ortiz.

“A great opportunity to experience the real life of a professional musician,” stated CHS junior Azael Gonzalez. “Today provided insight into the professional life of music-- always be on time, and there will never be anyone babysitting us,” said CHS student Ryan Hsiso.