Indoor Percussion
What is Indoor Percussion?
An indoor percussion ensemble consists of the marching percussion (battery) and the non-marching front ensemble (pit). The indoor percussion activity marries elements of music, marching, and performance art to create a unique 4-5 minute musical and visual program that students learn, memorize, and perform throughout a 7-month season. Students in the ensemble will be able to showcase their hard work in competitions across Southern California in front of hundreds of spectators. Through this activity, students learn musicality, teamwork, confidence, and discipline. Most importantly, every member of the ensemble builds long-lasting friendships with their peers by working together towards a shared goal.
Joining the Ensemble
As there are a limited number of instruments, students interested in Indoor Percussion need to attend an audition and be selected by the staff to be part of the ensemble. To participate, families must understand and commit to the mandatory rehearsal and competition schedule, which includes:
One after-school rehearsal every week throughout the school year
Four all-day competitions, typically on Saturdays in February, March, and April
Summer, winter, and spring break rehearsal camps
2023-2024 BPMS Indoor Percussion in competition
An example of the acitivity at the highest level
FAQ
Q: Do I need to have prior musical experience to join? How can I prepare for the audition?
A: No! Most current members of our ensemble had never played an instrument before joining. Our staff teaches students everything they need to know about how to play their instrument. All you need to bring to the audition is a positive attitude and a desire to learn something new.
Q: What instruments are available to play? Do I get to choose my instrument?
A: In the battery (marching), we have snare drums, flub drums, tenor drums, bass drums, and hand cymbals. In the pit (non-marching), we have mallet percussion, synthesizer, auxiliary percussion, drumset, and guitar. If there is a specific instrument that a student is interested in, the staff will take that into account during auditions, but placement is not guaranteed.
Q: Any other questions?
A: Email our percussion director, Summer Elliott, at selliott@bpsd.us