Pleasanton's Colonial-era Fife, Drum Band's Children Win Awards

By Jason Giaimo, Music Director

The Young American Patriots Fife & Drum Corps, Pleasanton’s very own hometown 1776-era musical kids marching band, held its twice-yearly musical competition on July 4 at Ardenwood historic farms in Fremont.

The students, ages 8 to 16 years and mostly from Pleasanton, competed musically on fife (a type of traditional flute) and on snare drum for gold, silver and bronze medals.

“Adding some competition and prizes has a near magical effect ... kids practice more because they want to win,” says group founder and 3-time national fife champion Jason Giaimo.

This community-based 1776-era marching band teaches not just instrumental music & marching, but it weaves colonial American history and leadership skills into its weekly lessons as well. They have played in over 70 charitable and other events since their founding five years ago.

“YAPs kids have also met members of the US Olympic team, politicians, military leaders, a famous musician, played the opening ceremonies at a baseball stadium, met a tech start-up CEO, and even a NASA astronaut” says Giaimo.

They are however, most often seen at hometown parades and events supporting Pleasanton’s Veterans.

Results of the July 4th competition are as follows, in order (Senior followed by Junior groupings):

Snare Drum performance awards:

• 1st place, Gold--Jainam Giaimo, Heejee Yoon
• 2nd place, Silver--Austin Nicolas, Aayushi Choudhary
• 3rd place, Bronze (jr)--Sungju Yoon

Fife performance awards:

• 1st place, Gold--Aditya Jain,Harsha Lakshmankumar
• 2nd place, Silver--Ashni Giaimo, Vishok Lakshmankumar
• 3rd place, Bronze (jr)--Greeshma Gundavaram (Jr)

The band has open enrollment for music lessons currently, but places are limited. They may be contacted at www.YoungAmericanPatriots.com for more information or to join (ages 8/9-17).

Photos courtesy Young American Patriots Fife & Drum Corps