"On the Starting Line"
“On the Starting Line,” a film written and directed by Wendy J. Menara, produced by Linda A. Vito, starring Samia Mooney , Tony Mathews, and Kevin Dougan.
You go to a parade; you see them. They march behind the band, twirling rifles (fake), then spinning them skyward, and catching them like batons; they twirl or wave large, colorful flags, but don’t ever let them catch you equating them with a “marching band,” or “baton twirlers.” They are a drum corps.
The introduction to the organization Drum Corps International states: “From modest beginnings more than three decades ago, Drum Corps International (DCI) has developed into a powerful, nonprofit, global youth activity with far-reaching artistic, educational and organizational influence. Through the annual DCI Tour and more than 35 World Championships in 17 North American cities, Drum Corps International provides entertainment to millions through live performances and nationally-televised events. Drum Corps International is Marching Music’s Major League™.” The organization stands behind its message of “excellence in performance and in life” to more than 7.2 million people, ages 13-22 involved in performing arts in the United States.
In her film,“On the Starting Line,” writer and director Wendy J. Menara tells the story of blond, pony-tailed, Wynn, a high school girl with a self-esteem problem brought lower by a friend’s comments and fear of one day becoming an alcoholic. Her mother had died of alcoholism. She is convincingly played by Samia Mooney. Wynn trains to be a drum corps member with a group of high-school friends. She is the daughter of single parent, Louie (Tony Mathews), with whom she has a good relationship. The film brings out that, as with others in the performing arts disciplines, body image take precedent over anything else for women training for the drum corps. Wynn confesses to a friend that she feels uncomfortable in her body. She sees herself as clumsy and fat. She is not anorexic-skeletal, but certainly not fat.
Menara believably brings out the high school meanness, put-downs, and sniping among girls who are supposed to be friends. Boys, as in ballet and other performing arts practices, also train for the drum corps. Louis Moreno plays Vik, Wynn’s lovable, high-energy pal. Their goal is to one day audition for the top drum corps group, Royal Phoenix, in Washington D.C. and be chosen to join. Training like dancers, they wear leotards and tights as Shirley, their coach, takes them through the drill. While the school’s senior drum corps goes through their routine to rousing marching band music on a grassy field, Wynn and the others practice on asphalt between two buildings on school grounds. When Royal Phoenix passes through town, Wynn’s group watches them enviously.
Being passionate about drum corps is considered dorky by other kids. Yet, Menara doesn’t bring this out in her film. She focuses more on the inner rivalry among the members, especially between Wynn, Darla (Danielle Aruta), and Maggie (Jennifer Spohr). Maggie is constantly refreshing her make up and seems not to be too serious about the training and Darla is more into getting a boyfriend. Wynn subtly flirts with Leland (an easy-going, likeable Kevin Dougan), the local gas station attendant/car mechanic,who doesn’t mind being called a grease monkey; his goal is to become a professional race car driver. Wynn's self-described, openly gay younger brother, Gavin, is supportive of her, without relinquishing his rôle as a typical snide, sarcastic young teen, a part that fit Stephen Sherwood like a second skin. These scenes at home are warm and natural without being smarmy. Carole Robinson plays Francis, Dad's caring girlfriend, with bone-deep honesty. She is an old friend of the family whose love for them is obvious.
One thing is certain: Once you see this film, you’ll know everything you ever wanted to know about those people marching behind the band. (A note on the DVD cover warns: “The performances in this film are by trained professionals. Do not attempt without proper training and supervision!”) Darla, who ends every sentence with a complaining, “whatever,” convinces Wynn’s dad to let her go on tour. He is naturally protective of her, and suspicious of Darla. Darla dumps Wynn for Elliot, her boyfriend; Rosie (a spritely, endearing Giovannie Espiritu) steps in. There are many scenes of Wynn practicing solo to the tune “Wynn’s Song” specially composed for the film by Key Poulan, and pep talks with coach Shirley during group training: “If you think you’ll drop it, you will.”
On tour, they practice in parking lots and sleep in school gyms. There are hints of financial problems, incidents of bulimic episodes; Francis admonishes Wynn after catching her vomiting in the bathroom. Wynn visits a psychic (Linda Vito), who tells her about her mom and positive futuristic events. A conflict develops between Wynn and her school counselor over college and the corps. Wynn auditions for Royal Phoenix with the rest of her group, but they’d partied the night before and auditioned hung over with dire results. A family crises ensues upon Wynn’s return, which is resolved. Wynn and her team get a call-back. She gets help with her dance routine finale from a friend, who builds up her confidence and esteem.
The Internet Home Page for DCI contends that “while an exclusive number of students participate on the field with a DCI drum corps, millions follow the corps of DCI by attending competitions, participating in DCI-sponsored educational programs and events, purchasing merchandise.” And goes on to state that fans follow the exploits of their favorite corps in ways reminiscent of the Grateful Dead’s Deadheads, or the Boston’s Red Sox Nation. Perhaps through Menara’s film, DCI will become as famous.
For information go to www.dci.org