Percussion: Week of January 12 - 17
Thank you for a great first week in 2026. Your efforts at the pep rally was appreciated and after school rehearsal attendance was excellent!
We begin “pep band” season this week. We are hosting the DCI group, The Cavaliers, this weekend. We also have our first pass off for the semester due on Thursday.
Cycle 3, Week 2 (A Week), January 12 - 17
Monday
During A1 - Pep Band Review, Pad Fundamentals, Enchanted Woods, Solo and Ensemble Practice
After School - Pep Band, Call Time is 4:00 (for setup), Estimated end of game is 7pm
Attire is Naaman Band Shirt (Green, Orange, or Khaki) and jeans.
Tuesday
During B5 + B6 - Pad fundamentals, Drum set pass off overview, solos and ensembles
During B7 - Pad and Mallet fundamentals
Symphonic Band from 3:25-5:00 - Percussion attendance is voluntary until February.
Wednesday
During A1 - Mallet Fundamentals, solos and ensembles
NFPE Rehearsal from 3:30-5:00pm
Rogue Agent from 3:30 - 4:10, Sculpture in Wood from 4:15 - 5:00pm
Thursday
During B5 + B6 - Pass off 1 due, Mallet fundamentals, solos and ensembles
During B7 - Pad and Mallet Fundamentals
NFPE Rehearsal from 3:30-5:30pm
Rogue Agent from 3:30 - 4:30, Sculpture in Wood from 4:30 - 5:30pm
Friday (A Day)
During A1 - Pad Fundamentals, Solo and Ensembles
Free after school
Saturday
Hosting Cavaliers Audition Camp
Sunday
Hosting Cavaliers Audition Camp
Weekly Band Updates + Announcements
Make sure you keep up with the weekly announcements for the whole band. You can access announcements at the top of the page, or by clicking HERE.
You can access the weekly band update by clicking HERE.
Congrats to Rafa!
This past weekend, Senior saxophonist, Rafael Lebedenco, placed 1st in Area All-State auditions. This is an incredible accomplishment and worthy of the highest praise from all of us in the band. Please consider congratulating him the next time you see him.
Pep Band Game Info
We have three Pep Band performances over the next month. Our pep band will perform. at several home basketball games to add our support and spirit for the community. Here are some notes for those that plan to participate:
Participation is voluntary, based on signups on the white board in the ensemble room.
Games are on January 12, January 23, and February 6.
Call time will be around 4-4:30. Percussionists should arrive 30 minutes before the winds to set up the drum set.
End time may vary. Basketball games include varsity boys and ladies games and at times gets behind schedule. Most games conclude after 8pm
Attire is a Ranger band shirt (Show Shirt or Green shirt) and jeans.
Concessions will be allowed per director discretion. If permitted, we always need at least two ready to play, and participants should not take more than 1, 15 minute break for concessions.
Participants are the only ones allowed to be with the band. Those that want to attend the game as a spectator may not sit with the band.
Solo and Percussion Ensemble Goals
Percussion Ensemble Goals for the Week
Sculpture in Wood - Learn F-H, Review and refine Top-F
Rogue Agent - Learn mm 36-60 + 80-95, Review and refine top-20 and 60-80
Enchanted Woods - Learn B-E and beginning, Review and Refine A-B
Solo Goals for the Week
All Students have selected a solo and have a copy of their solo
Preparing 1/3 of the solo to be passed off Friday, January 23
Expectations
Students take individual responsibility to prepare the material above by the conclusion of the week.
Students should have a planned practice schedule
Solos and ensemble parts should be practiced equally as needed
All material needs to be in a place that can be “rehearsed.” Perfect performance is not expected, proper preparation is expected.
In other words, do not just practice what you already know.
Students need music and a pencil for all ensemble rehearsals
Promises if Expectations are Met
Mr. Collins will provide individual guidance to every student at least 1 time per week for solos.
Percussion ensemble rehearsals will provide time to go over new material conclusively and a limited time to review previously learned material.
Upcoming Events
Winter HS Percussion Concert - Friday, February 20
UIL Region 3 Solo and Ensemble Festival - Saturday, February 21
North Texas Percussion Festival - Saturday, February 28
Hosting The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps
This weekend, our campus will be hosting the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps for a “Call Back” Audition camp. The Cavaliers are known as one of the best marching ensembles in the country, having won DCI championships several times in their program’s history.
This camp will be held from 6pm on Friday - Sunday afternoon. While we cannot expect all rehearsals to be open, there will be opportunities to observe and learn from some of the best marching educators around. Please keep on the lookout for more information on these opportunities.
In order to provide the best experience possible for our guests, please help in keeping our band hall areas clean and assist as requested in “decluttering” our space.
Enhancement Series
Starting in February, we will be introducing the new “Enhancement” Series. Enhancements will be optional clinics meant to add skill and experience in areas of interest. Students participating in these clinics will get additional help in preparing for drumline auditions, drum set development and 4 mallet development.
Enhancements are meant for current 8th graders and high school students. They will be held on Wednesdays from 6:00-6:30. There is an additional cost for these sessions, but all high school percussionists are allowed to attend 2 sessions at no cost. Learn more about the enhancement series by visiting the Middle School Drum Club section of the website or clicking HERE for the online registration.
Drumline Jersey Payment
Drumline Jersey payments are past due. Multiple students/families have not made payments and will be receiving notice in the coming week requesting payments be made immediately. Please review past weekly percussion updates for details on costs and how to provide payment.
Upcoming Assignments and Grades
Pass Off 1 on Thursday, January 15 - Minor Grade
