Hinsdale Central offers two percussion courses that meet separate from their bands to work on snare rudiments, mallets, and to prepare percussion ensembles independent of the course's band literature. Percussion placements are auditioned-based, except for concert percussion, which allows students to be placed in the class that they will find most success. These courses may meet at the same time as their band class, but may also meet at different times of the day. 

Concert Percussion is an entry level course. Students work collaboratively in percussion ensembles and individually on:

• Beginning snare rudiments

• Mallet technique

• Auxiliary percussion

• Basic drumset methods 

• Basic timpani skills, and 

• Perform with the Concert Band at concerts

Symphonic Percussion is the second-level, auditioned percussion course. Students work collaboratively in percussion ensembles and individually on: 

• Refining and completing their 40 snare drum rudiments 

• Continue with advanced keyboard techniques with 2-4 mallet literature 

• Discover advanced Latin grooves on the drumset

• Manipulate pitch on the timpani during a piece, and

• Perform with the Symphonic Band at concerts

Hinsdale Central's Wind Symphony and Wind Ensemble have fewer percussionists in each band and spend their time in rehearsal with the winds.