NATOMAS (CBS13) — They are local percussion artists whose story is as powerful as their sound.

For the Natomas High School drum corps, it all starts at the top with their leader.

The beat goes on at Natomas High School, where the focus is clear, the moves are precise, and the sound both inside and outside the classroom is as solid as the foundation created by the man leading the way.

Drum corps instructor Floyd Kennedy, known as Mr. K, is part drill sergeant, part conductor, part disciplinarian.

Mr. K doesn’t simply show a kid how to play the drums. he teaches them how to handle life.

“We had kids who were pretty much ready to commit suicide; we had kids into gangs; we had kids with problems at home,” he said.

Those problem seem to disappear with every bang on the drum.

“Sometimes you don’t have that person to guide you where you should go, or somewhere that’s gonna benefit you; you gotta have that figure that’s gonna take care of you and at the same time look out for you,” said Victorio Guerra.

He also teaches them to look out for themselves and each other and make no excuses. Students who don’t make the grade don’t make the special trips to perform. Most do and aim to please, because the alternative is not an option.

“I think I probably wouldn’t be graduating if I didn’t have this class. This class is a very big impact,” said Philomena Holquin.

It’s percussion perfection, led by a man proud to be considered a father figure, and even more proud of how far they’ve come.

Mr. K and his kids take off next week to perform in Las Vegas and Southern California.