Mount Vernon School District, WA

Percussion Ensemble
The Mount Vernon High School Percussion Ensemble class is offered as a yearlong course and is required for all percussionists in the band program. Students will perform a variety of styles on various instruments, including keyboard (mallet) percussion.  Members of this ensemble will perform with the Marching Band, Pep Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble in addition to playing percussion ensemble pieces at concerts.

Every year the Mount Vernon High School drumline hosts a camp for new and current drumline students to spend time learning the cadences and field show music that will be used by the high school drumline for the year. This camp will take place during the end of summer break in mid to late August and be 5 consecutive days (Monday through Friday). The camp will be taught by a guest percussionist who will not only work with the students on learning the cadences but also work on technique and proper drumline procedure i.e. how to stand at attention and pull out sticks before cadences. This camp is a great way for students new to the Percussion Ensemble course to meet fellow band mates, learn what percussion instrument(s) they will be playing during the year and prepare for playing at football and basketball games.