Focus On: Trumbull HS Percussion
July 15, 2010
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By Thomas Whitmoyer
Pride. Attitude. Concentration. This is our motto. This is our tradition.
It was the winter of 1996 when Trumbull High School made its first venture into the world of indoor percussion. They were the first percussion ensemble from Connecticut ever to attend the WGI World Championships in 1998. They followed the creed of the well-respected Trumbull Golden Eagle Marching Band, under the direction of Peter Horton, and the Scholastic World Color Guard, under the direction of Ray Rhodes. “Pride, Attitude, and Concentration” was the motto of this successful organization. It is the foundation of which everything in the program is built upon. However, after 4 successful seasons, the ensemble came to an abrupt end. For the next four years there simply was no winter percussion program at all.
In the Fall of 2002, the Winter Percussion program returned to Trumbull High School. Thomas Whitmoyer took on the responsibility of Ensemble Director, and created a 10-year vision for the newly reborn ensemble. It would plan for every detail, set short-term and long-term goals, and reflect on the future needs at the close of each season. Change in this activity is inevitable from one season to the next with student performers, ability levels, staff changes, budget restrictions, rehearsal space, etc. Nevertheless, it’s an absolutely necessity to observe and define measurable progress from season to season. Once again, the Pride, Attitude and Concentration instilled in the ensemble was driving the success of the program.
The Trumbull HS Percussion Ensemble’s “2nd generation” initial season began with 13 performers, a staff of three and a minimal budget. They performed in the local Musical Arts Conference in “festival class”. Though our first competitive season brought no marks in the “win” column, the program was making small and steady steps forward. The following season, Trumbull left Festival Class and moved into A Class. The show was based on Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean”, and a larger budget afforded us a music arranger, some costumes and props, and a small floor. The ensemble grew from 13 to 28 members, and the pride in the program grew even more. We won our first MAC Winter Championship in A Class. 2005 saw “One”, a program which we took to the New England region NESBA circuit in addition to our local conference. During this season, and competing in our first WGI regional, we were promoted from A Class to Open Class. The 2006 season returned with the dramatic “Jekyll and Hyde”. We performed in two WGI regional events and it was our first venture participating in World Championships, where we placed 8th overall in Open Class! Each year provided us more opportunity for growth. 2007 was “Contrast”, (11th place). 2008 was “Science of Music” and 2009 was “Fear” (both 2nd place finishes). Last season, with our largest cast to date with 35 members, Trumbull 2010 explored world music as we proudly presented “Triad”(5th place).
With a well-defined plan, and learning from the experiences of the past, Trumbull has grown to become a 5-time consecutive WGI Championship Open Class Finalist. The Staff includes Director Thomas Whitmoyer, Front Ensemble / Caption Head Michael Blancaflor, Snare tech Alan Amendola, Tenor tech Scott Abanto, Bass Tech Ryan Boudreau, and Cymbal tech Pete Palumbo. Carman Dragone, and Steve Surina are the visual techs. Drill design by Tim Fairbanks. Five staff members are alumni of the Trumbull program, which is another reason that the tradition of Trumbull is so apparent in the program.
“In planning for Winter 2011, we are pleased to announce the return of Dave Brush to our Trumbull family. The tradition of excellence continues to grow, and the 2011 season may prove to become the best season to date.
