The Bridgewater-Raritan Marching Band season has concluded, marking the end of a successful outdoor performance series.
However, this also signals the beginning of a new opportunity for students: Indoor Percussion placements. These placements kicked off after school on November 12, offering a fresh chance for students to get involved in indoor percussion.
The placement process lasted several days to ensure that all interested students had an opportunity to try out. These auditions were held on November 12, 14 and 19, and were open to all students who wished to participate. Whether students are new to percussion or experienced, this is a chance to join the Indoor Percussion group, where they will focus on playing percussion instruments, an essential part of this specialized music ensemble.
Indoor Percussion is similar to marching band in some ways but differs in key aspects. While marching band incorporates brass, woodwinds and color guard, Indoor Percussion focuses solely on percussion instruments, with no wind instruments or guard members. The performances also take place indoors, unlike the outdoor performances of the marching band. The ensemble includes the drumline, which is responsible for rhythm and beats, and the front ensemble, which features a variety of percussion instruments like mallet percussion and keyboard instruments.
This year, the Indoor Percussion program will be performing an exciting show titled “The Song Gallery.” The show will feature a diverse and energetic selection of music, including “Spring” by Vivaldi, an original composition specifically created for the ensemble, Whitney Houston’s hit “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and a fan-favorite piece, “Hot to Go.” With this dynamic set of songs, the Indoor Percussion team is set to showcase a range of musical styles and rhythms that will keep audiences engaged throughout the season.
For students interested in participating, there is an additional step required. They must complete a Google Form, which is available on Google Classroom. The code for accessing the form is jmrf65y. Students can fill it out to officially indicate their intent to join the Indoor Percussion program. This form helps the instructors organize the placements and ensure all necessary details are captured before the season begins.
Marimba 1 player and high school junior, Nandini Kuppachi, shared her excitement for the upcoming season. “I can’t wait to start working with everyone. It’s going to be a memorable season, and I’m excited to be part of it,” she said.
Once the placement process concludes, students will be provided with sheet music to start rehearsals. This marks the official beginning of the Indoor Percussion season, where students will begin preparing for upcoming performances. The focus will shift to rehearsals, perfecting rhythms and building the teamwork needed for a successful indoor season.
