Percussion
Instructor: Mr. Beratis
Prerequisite: 8th Grade Band or equivalent ensemble instruction
1 credit
H1
A class for the percussion section of Concert Band has been formed to accommodate the increasing number of percussionists in the program. The class provides more meaningful and rigorous instruction than a band experience alone. The focus is on skill development primarily in the idioms of snare and mallets.
This class is heavily student centered and directed, with student leaders acting as mentors for less experienced players. The percussion class provides all of the percussion needs for the entire music department in Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Concert Orchestra, and Symphonic Orchestra. Each student is considered a member of both groups, though the class is fundamentally an extension of Concert Band. Members of this class are required to attend all rehearsals held outside of school time.
As this course is taught by Mr. Beratis, you can find his page here:
In this class, all percussionists learn snare, mallets, timpani, and various forms of hand percussion. Proper sticking techniques and rudiments are studied at length. Percussionists fulfill all percussion needs of the instrumental department at RHS and play for Concert Band, Symphonic Orchestra, and auxiliary percussion for Jazz Band in concerts. Its main affiliation is with Concert Band. We assimilate with Winds for a couple of evening rehearsals before putting on the concert. Members of the class also form various small percussion ensembles that perform at our concerts.
The Concert Band includes students in grades 9-12 who play woodwind, brass or percussion instruments. No audition is required to be a member of this group. Developing and refining higher level performance skills is a major focus of this performing group. The Concert Band performs at concerts, festival competitions, and other community events. Students are required to attend 1-2 evening combined rehearsals just before each concert. Pep Band (sometimes referred to as marching band) is no longer a requirement as in years past. The Concert Band also participates in the Memorial Day parade and graduation ceremony.
Members of Concert Band are encouraged to participate in Pep Band, which plays in the stands at home football games and rehearses a few evenings during football season.
The Band has an amazing sense of community and provides a place where its students can feel like home.
If you have any questions about the course, please e-mail Mr. Mac
Some links to the type of repertoire we perform are below. Enjoy!
Midway March by John Williams Performed December 18, 2013
Overture for Winds by Charles Carter Performed April 29, 2014
Into the Storm by Robert W. Smith Performed April 29, 2014