If you were at the Prom pep rally last year, you may remember a group of band students who performed a show that primarily featured percussion students. That group was the FHS Indoor Percussion program.
Indoor Percussion is a performing ensemble made up of percussionists and those who wish to learn to play percussion instruments. They meet every Thursday night from 6-9, and memorize a show across the course of their season (usually from December until May).
There are 2 separate sections within Indoor Percussion that each collaborate with each other to get a great sound. The Drumline, or Battery percussion section, is usually the main visual focus. Drumline members march around in certain blocks and learn choreography to turn the show from a music performance to a show you can’t take your eyes off. The “Front Ensemble” percussionists, meanwhile, are the main melodic element of the show. This includes several mallet instrument players, as well as piano keyboards, a guitarist, and a bassist. Several percussionists also play extra percussion instruments that are not normally played while marching. The 2 sections work together throughout the season to combine the melodic forms with the driving rhythms to make a bombastic show.
I interviewed the Drumline section leader, Delaney Hayes, to get a little more information directly from the group’s leader.
Q: What is the show you are performing, and can you tell me a little about it?
A: “It’s called ‘I Can’t Change,’ and it’s arranged by Bryan Harmsen. It’s based off the Macklemore song ‘I Can’t Change,’ a song about the LGBTQ+ community. Our version is based around bullying in general and cyberbullying. The show is important because it addresses the problem with ever increasing bullying, which connects to the ideas given by Kevin Atlas in his speeches he gave to the whole school.”
Q: How is Indoor Percussion doing this year?
A: “Well, this year we performed at Solo and Ensemble for our second year. Last year, we were comment only. This year, I’m happy to say that we’re going to state.”
Q: When can people come see Indoor Percussion perform their show?
A: “I know for certain we are doing it at the spring band concert on May 14th.”
I personally play the marimba part for the ensemble. Come see us at our performance later this year!