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A State Level Performing Ensemble:
2025 - 3rd in State
2022 - 1st in State
Kitsap County Champions in:
2025, 2023, 2022, (covid), 2019.
Percussion Ensemble
Percussion Ensemble
Course Description
Percussion Ensemble is a unique 9th - 12th grade learning community for all of BHS' percussionists. Students in this class work as a team to prepare music for concerts, contests, assemblies, and other functions. Parts for performances are assigned based on individual skill level. Students grow into accomplished musicians as they mature in a supportive environment that includes help from their more experienced peers and the instructor. Older students are expected to mentor younger students. It is common to participate in band and also do other sports and clubs at BHS. All required events are clearly outlined at the start of the year. Attendance at all required dress rehearsals and concerts will be graded. Participation in the award winning Spartan Marching Band, Bainbridge Jazz Collective, and The Big Spring Trip are optional programs available to all band members.
Fee: There is a required uniform fee and a required instrument fee for this course.
Note: Fees are waived for students that qualify for Free or Reduced lunch & all other students may request scholarship assistance for class-based fees.
Prerequisite: Middle school proficiency (or higher) on percussion, piano, and/or bass is required for this course. Beginners are welcome, with instructor permission.
Note: Participation in Marching Band is required for Percussion Ensemble members without prior exemption from the instructor.
Things incoming percussion families should know about Percussion Ensemble:
Things incoming percussion families should know about Percussion Ensemble:
In Genearal
We have a wonderful percussion program at BHS - consistently one of the top program in the state. What makes us so good is have very consistent programming that is focussed on the things that matter: quality instruction, adequate repetition on challenging literature, and a culture of family participation. Our students buy into the program, and more importantly, they buy into each other. Our band families are an enormously important part of this process. If you are a percussion family, PLEASE volunteer for a few events this year.
Marching Band
All members of Percussion Ensemble are *strongly* encouraged to participate in our award winning marching band program. Our fall show is a challenging and highly rewarding experience for our members. We have found that nearly every student who fully participates in marching band loves it and is successful in percussion ensemble, whereas students who don't participate in marching band seem to rarely end up sticking with either. Our fall show is such an important period where students make friendships and grow musically, choosing to not participate leaves those students way behind both musically and socially in a way that is hard to recover from. Everyone in class does their best to mitigate this, but nothing replaces the extra time practicing the music and bonding with one's band friends.
The marching drums (AKA, "battery") are auditioned roles. Auditions and placements are done each spring, so students can practice their parts all summer. These instruments are quite heavy, and these roles are physically demanding.
The concert percussion ensemble on the front of the field (AKA, "the pit" or the "front ensemble") is a vital part of the band adding important colors and a depth of sound to the whole band. These members don't march during the show or carry heavy drums, but they do work very hard and contribute vitally to the entire band.
Jazz Band
We have a great jazz program here at BHS. Our top band has won many awards for excellence over the years, including first place divisianal awards at the Bellevue High School Jazz Festival, and 1st place Sweepstakes trophies at the Viking Jazz Festival in Poulsbo. Our top small group has recorded multiple sessions at 88.5 KNKX the regional NPR radio station. We also have a unique thriving New Orleans street style brass band that plays in town and around campus. We have over 40 members of our jazz program, which meets during zero period. We always need a few more drummers to join the jazz community! :)
Solo & Ensemble Competition
After marching band season is over for Percussion Ensemble (November 1st), we transition to our large percussion competition piece. Most of the class will also start working on independant solos and small group pieces during this time of year. The large ensemble piece is required for everyone in Percussion Ensemble, including the trip to compete at our region's State qualifying competition, which often falls at the end of Mid-Winter Break. State is in Ellensburg the end of April each year. Please check the band calendar for the date of these contests.
Drum Lessons & Off Campus Participation
Many of our members also take lessons from Terry Marsh, and participate in his summer All-Star Drumline. Visit his website, The Drummers Den, for a lot more information.
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