For years, the percussion ensemble has been offered as a class at SPHS. It is an environment in which talent flourishes and friendships are forged. In this class, percussionists receive individualized instruction and practice that simply isn’t possible in a class as large as band. The techniques used by percussionists are so wildly different than those used by other musicians that a separate percussion class is necessary to provide proper instruction and education. The experience and instruction received in percussion ensemble are invaluable. In fact, just this weekend we received the top score at a county-wide Solo and Ensemble event and are continuing to represent SPHS at the state level. This is evidence of how much we grow and succeed as a group.

Unfortunately, the musical community is heartbroken to say that administration is no longer offering percussion ensemble as a class next year. They have told us that only 7 people signed up for this class, yet a quick head count shows us we have far more than 7 who placed this course on their course selection sheet. As a replacement, they have thrown us all into the standard band class. As any percussionist will tell you, band class is no sufficient replacement. A percussionist’s role in band is far less involved than it is in an ensemble made up of percussionists only, and can even involve not having a part to play for any given song due to the low amount of parts available to play. For this reason, a good number of talented percussionists with bright futures plan to quit music altogether, ending their music career entirely.

The percussionist family at SPHS needs your help to keep our musicians playing. By signing this form, you show your support of us and our fight to regain the percussion program at our school. Music matters!