The Return of Winter Percussion

By Echo Margary, 2027

Published 12/7/23

This year, the winter percussion program is available to Dodd Middle School and Cheshire High School students after many years of not having this program. Winter percussion, or indoor percussion, is an ensemble that performs indoors during the off-season of marching band. Ms. Conrad, the current band director who brought back the program, states:  “I am super excited for this season and so are the kids. I'm very excited to see what they do and it is a great opportunity for new kids to get into percussion and kids in percussion to expand their knowledge. I think if the kids keep up this enthusiasm and excitement this season will go amazing!”  

Not only is Ms. Conrad excited for the return of the winter percussion but many students are looking forward to it as well. In an interview with Matthew Wild, he said “I'm very excited for this season, I mean we haven't had this program for five years and I'm so glad it's finally coming back to CHS. I can't wait to be with other percussion students and past instructors for this season.” In one final interview Kat Teator says this about winter percussion “While it might be challenging because it will be the first time in a while, I'm really happy that Cheshire is getting their program back. I'm excited to keep playing the instrument I love, work with Mr. Fitch and Ms. Conrad, and perform with my bandmates. I think it will be fun because I can extend my marching band season for a couple of months by playing with some of my pit friends and other band members. Also, it is such a good opportunity for people who haven't played a percussion instrument to get a good environment to practice and learn. This season to me feels like it will be a boat on the sea, not completely easy, might have a couple roughghts but overall a fun experience that I am glad I will be able to join.”  

Overall students and staff are very excited for the return of this program. There will be an open house for the program on December 8th from 5 pm to 8 pm; during which there will be a parent info meeting. Practices will be every Friday from 5 pm to 8 pm and starting in January there will be Saturday practices from 10 am to 3 pm in addition to the usual Friday practices. Possible competition dates are February 17th at East Haven High School, March 9th at New Milford High School, March 16th at Bunnell High School, and April 13th for the Mac Championships at Westhill High School.  

To find out more information about the schedule and what winter percussion is, join the classroom with the code asiierh.