LONDONDERRY — It's been an eventful week for the Marching Lancers.

Thursday afternoon marked the grand finale of a grueling four-day band camp, where the 315 young musicians and Color Guard members spent seven hours each day learning the season's music and drills on the field behind Londonderry High School.

Following an inaugural performance of the band's 2012-2013 halftime show, which features the music of legendary rock band Chicago, there was still little rest for the Lancers.

After the performance, even more excitement awaited as several surprise visitors had something special in store for the young performers.

Representatives from Yamaha and band and orchestra instrument retailer Music & Arts were on hand to present the student musicians with the band's newly purchased percussion instruments.

Music & Arts spokesman Don Goldstone said the business has been working closely with the Lancers each season and has seen the band evolve into the state's largest and perhaps most decorated high school marching band.

Goldstone said the organization partners with Yamaha to provide quality gear for area high schools. Londonderry High School has worked with Music & Arts since 2005, when the business bought out Ted Herbert's Music Equipment in Manchester.

“We felt this was the perfect time to do this because it's a time when they're really celebrating,” said Goldstone.

With band camp concluded for another year, there was little time to spare, as crowds were already gathered on the Town Common to check out the Lancers' updated drum line.

A regular fixture at Londonderry's Old Home Day events, the drum line regularly performs for the crowds attending Kidz Night. This year, nearly two-dozen shiny, red drums glistened in front of the bandstand — the cherry on top of what's already been such an exciting week.

Among the band's new gear are 10 snare drums, six base drums and six tenor drums.

Music Director Andy Soucy said the band hasn't had new drums since 2002, a long time, considering the fact that percussion instruments take a daily beating.

“As a musical instrument company that has music education as part of its core focus, we're proud to have such strong programs as (LHS) choosing us for their needs,” local Yamaha representative Chris Manners added.

The band will get plenty of opportunities to break in the new gear.

Though school hasn't started quite yet, the Lancers already have a busy schedule ahead of them, with plans to march in the Londonderry Old Home Day parade this Saturday. They'll also appear at the Allenstown Old Home Day on Saturday, Aug. 25.

- - - - - - - -

April Guilmet may be reached at AGuilmet@newstote.com.