A new class was offered this year with the purpose of focusing directly on strengthening the percussion section in the band.
Band director Greg Wells had the idea to create a more efficient environment for all band members by giving percussion its own class. This allows the percussionists to be more productive during school.
“This class was born from a need to differentiate the instruction. The music that is written for the band is not always very challenging for the percussionists or is written without percussion at all,” Wells said.
Percussion is an important factor when it comes to having a successful band. With lots of practice in their individual class, it has elevated the rest of the band when they come together.
“Keeping them together in a separate class allows for maximum teaching specific to their needs and experience levels,” Wells said.
Senior percussionist Carly Underhill has noticed the improvement, as well as the potential her and the rest of the class have.
“We just had a concert [on February 23] with all the bands and it went really well,” Underhill said. “While there hasn’t been a performance just for the percussionists in the class, like a percussion ensemble, we are hoping to plan an event in the future to showcase some of the pieces we have worked on with just percussion in them.”
Some instruments these students play include bongos, wind chimes, multiple types of drums, xylophones, shakers and much more. Every student has a job and when done well, it can lead to successful music.
“Part of the fun of the section is the ability to play all different types of instruments. The variety that comes with percussion is a driving factor for the creation of a percussion based class,” Underhill said. “With so many choices, it’s important to learn how to play all of them correctly.”
Anyone interested in joining percussion or any other band class, are encouraged to join. Wells appreciates new members, and with 20 years of teaching band, he knows a thing or two.
“We take everyone, but we try to instill that attitude and character are key. These skills are what makes a great student.” Wells said.
