Hoover Winter Line’s first competition of the season was hosted at La Quinta High School on Saturday. Performing their 2026 production Where Silence Flows, the group earned a score of 69.600 in the Southern California Percussion Alliance (SCPA) Open Class division.

Hoover placed third overall in their division and also earned first place in music effect.

“The run went as expected,” said percussion director William Abraamyan. “I’m planning on further developing the show concept as well as building confidence in the performers.”

Battery captain Adonis Stone echoed the importance of confidence moving forward.

“For one, I want to aim to have a full show,” said Stone. “Mainly, I want to make sure that all the music and visuals the members have are being performed to their best ability. If we can get 100 percent confidence from the whole line, that is going to be the difference we need.”

Front ensemble captain Ava Khachikyan shared a similar perspective following the performance.

“I would say we had a good run for our first competition, but there’s still room for improvement,” said Khachikyan. “I think the nerves were extra high since it was the first competition of the season. For the next competition, I hope that everyone feels they put out their best performance regardless of placement. I would like to build more confidence so everyone feels ready and trusts that they’ll have a good run.”