Smithfield Selma Senior (SSS) High's Winter Drumline placed first in the Percussion Scholastic Open division at the Atlantic Indoor Association (AIA).

Dozens of high schools from across the region competed in one of the last regional AIA Winter Drumline events held at Raleigh's Wakefield High.

Brian Jones, SSS Director of Bands and Ensembles, said "The show is called Motown Metal and it mixes Motown music with Heavy Metal music."

According to one audience member, it didn't take long for the Smithfield Selma drumline to have the bleachers rocking to their music.

According to Jones, "There are 26 performers and this is our second year having a group.  Last year's group won the bronze medal in the PSA division at AIA Championships out of 27 groups." 

The percussion ensemble is becoming known for their achievements including earning first place at 16 of the last 18 marching band competitions (4 year period).

Jones said those wins included earning the highest percussion of the day at the Capital City Expo this year.

The SSS percussion ensemble performs next on April 5 and 6 at the AIA Championships in Fairfax Virgina.