Drumline Saves Baby
Catagory: world-drumline-news
Quick Thinking Drumliners Make Daring Morning Rescue
Issue 3
Newark, NJ – Yesterday, students from the Ypsilanti High School drumline proved they have what it takes.
An early morning fire on Newark’s north side broke out on the second floor of the Patafla Apartment building. Trapped inside was 2 year old Tyler Murphy.
The boy’s mother, 31 year old Shirley Murphy, had just walked downstairs to gather the day’s mail when the trouble began. As Murphy attempted to return to her apartment, she was quickly stopped by choking black smoke.
“I couldn’t believe how quickly it all happened. I thought little Tyler was going to die for sure.” said Murphy. “not knowing what to do, I just ran into the street screaming for help.”
Murphy’s cries were heard by members of the Ypsilanti Dragn’ Drumline. The group, which was on its way to the Thirteenth Annual All Star Regional Indoor Percussion Clinic, was enjoying a hot breakfast in the nearby café when the screams began.
Riff Ratamaque, section leader and center snare for the drumline, was the first to hear Murphy’s cries for help.
“I heard the screams and called the guys to attention”, says Ratamaque. “When I listened closer I heard Mrs. Murphy screaming about the fire and her baby.”
Ratamaque called his fellow drumliners into action. Having no ladder, the group assembled a makeshift rescue tower of drums. The tower was high enough that 15 year old Brian Foster, the drumline’s #6 bass drummer, was able to climb into Murphy’s apartment and retrieve the young boy.
Fire official arrived soon after and praised the quick thinking of the percussive heroes.
“I’ve never seen such heroics by youth. It was refreshing.” Said Chief Cook. “The drumline’s drum tower was most impressive; I’m certain we’ll be using the department band in some new ways after this.”
During the NFD’s assault on the fire, the Dragn’ Drumline played peppy street beats to encourage the firefighters.
Thanks to the Yipsi D-D, doctors say that little Tyler will make a full recovery.