About Percussion
Fall Semester
August-November
In the Fall Semester, Mighty Hawk Band percussionists perform in the marching band as members of the front ensemble or marching batterie sections. Percussion instruments are designed, tuned, and, in some cases, amplified for maximum clarity projection. These considerations help produce a sound appropriate for the outdoor venues while allowing students to perform with a musical approach that transfers to a wide variety of additional musical settings that percussionists perform in.
In addition to performing in the competitive marching band, percussionists also have performance opportunities through the All-State audition process for band, orchestra and jazz band, as well as members of wind band, full orchestra, and jazz band performing ensembles.
- Prerequisite: Competitive Audition. Equipment requirements.
- Auditions: Held in April-May.
- Rehearsals: Begin in May.
- Performances and competitions: August through November.
- Cost: Students can expect to pay a fee for participation to cover certain expenses.
- Attendance: Participation in the MHB is a requirement for all percussionists, and out-of-school rehearsals and performances are required.
Spring Semester
January-May
Starting at the end of marching season and through the Spring semester, percussionists continue to develop their musical and technical skills as members of a variety of performing ensembles and as soloists. The Heath High School Percussion Ensemble performs and competes at various events, including the North Texas Percussion Festival, the TCU Percussion Festival, and the Heath High School Learning Community Night of Percussion Concert. Spirit Line performances continue throughout the Spring.
Percussionists also perform as members of wind band classes, full orchestra, jazz band, the RHHS Musical, as well as other performing ensembles on campus, such as the RHHS Choir. Percussionists perform solos at the UIL Region Solo & Ensemble Contest and at the Texas State Solo & Ensemble Contest in Austin, TX.
- Prerequisite: Competitive Audition. Equipment requirements.
- Auditions: Spring Semester ensemble placements (for band class and percussion ensemble) are determined by audition at the end of the Fall Semester.
- Rehearsals: Begin in November.
- Performances and competitions: Begin in January and continue through May.
- Cost: Students can expect to pay a fee for participation to cover certain expenses.
- Attendance: Out-of-school rehearsals and performances are required.