Justin Berona called the Drumline program "the first of its kind" at the Ripon Unified School District.

His students displayed their skills, performing at Monday's school board meeting.

They played, pounding to the beat on drum heads placed atop 5-gallon Ace Hardware buckets.

Berona, who came to the district about a year ago as a P.E. teacher, was recognized by Superintendent Ziggy Roberson for his ability to also teach in RUSD's expanded music program.

Members of the drumline included Nicanor Grimaldo, Molly Kaley, Luke Lawson, Ian Nunez, Javier Paramo, Ana Marie Shriver Vasquez, Kailani Bommarito, Jacob Hand and Alexander Hernandez.

"They've shown tremendous progress in such a short time," Berona said.