Spartanburg Percussion Regional Review

Written by Matt Raynor
Edited by Kelli Leach

Scholastic Concert Open

Clayton HS – 77.200
Clayton had us questioning whether we were sleeping or dreaming in their show “Dreamscape.” Effective placement of crescendos and swells across the ensemble had us transported into another dream. Their light-hearted rendition of Charlie Brown had the whole audience smiling and in a good mood.

Rock Hill HS – 73.700
The audience was treated to a suspenseful and action packed performance of Jim Casella’s “Dystopia.” The extended techniques of bowed cymbal and vibraphone set the mood for this piece early. Momentum continued building all the way to the end in this action packed piece.


Scholastic Concert World

Tunstall HS – 81.050
There is no doubt that Dvorak was rocking in his grave for this high-powered show “Survivors of the New World.” Taking different melodies from all four movements of the New World Symphony, Tunstall added a flash of rock and roll all their own. Especially memorable was the blazing fast double bass drum pedal solo and the shredding done by the keyboards!


Scholastic Marching A

Bassett HS – 1st 94.450
From the beginning of their show, Bassett filled the whole arena with “Energy.” The split tenor solo grabbed everyone’s attention, and rightfully so, as it was one of the more spectacular moments of the night. The ballad was quite powerful, evoking a different type of energy, which washed over the audience. Full of energy beginning to end!!

Halls HS – 2nd-tie 87.575
First, seeing a snare drum but hearing a bass drum, then, seeing a tenor drum but hearing a snare drum, Halls HS had us wondering what to expect next in their show “Unexpected.” Their green floor and uniforms allowed them to disappear and reappear throughout their show, making for a visually pleasing experience.

Sumter HS – 2nd-tie 87.575
Sumter HS provided the most thought provoking show of the evening, “What lies beneath?” They asked us not to judge them on their appearance, but to question indeed what is beneath the guise of colored hair, piercing, and black clothes. Some very introspective melodies kept the audience thinking the entire show.

Tennessee HS – 4th 86.000
Tennessee HS takes us on a tour of different genres with “Spin it.” One thing is for sure, I wouldn’t be surprised to hear their opener being spun by a DJ in any dance club in America. With their solid elec. bass player, they laid down the groove for us and kept the cymbal players spinning.

Carrollton HS – 5th 85.600
Hold your breath for the opening singles from the snare drums! Carrollton added another thought provoking show to the night, “Every Moment Every Breath.” Reminding us all to breathe in moments of excitement, they take a moment to attain clarity in thought, and in this case, clarity in playing.

South Pointe HS – 6th 83.700
Presenting their show “Un,” South Pointe HS takes us through a series of opposites ranging from Melodic/Unmelodic to Unison/Solo(Uno). They demonstrate these opposites through melody, volume, texture, and marching. Very interesting show with a groovin’ drum set player.

Clover HS – 7th 82.900
Clover HS takes us on an exploration of the percussionists’ favorite timing device, “Sub Divisions.” Using different melodies, and phrases that emphasize different parts of a musical measure, gave the audience a glimpse into the mind of a drummer.

Mill Creek HS – 8th 82.700
-Before the audience knew it, Mill Creek HS had them traveling “Downstream” at break neck speed. With fast beats and flowing melodies, it was clear we were at the mercy of this river.

Hardin Valley Academy – 9th 81.450
-The recognizable Halloween theme got Hardin Valley Academy’s show, “ Agents of Fear,” started on an eerie note. These lonely agents seem addicted to drumming and were successful at invoking fear in the audience.


Independent Marching A

Fusion Percussion – 1st 78.400
Fusion provided an interesting take on the dramatic tragedy with their show “Trilogy of Tragedy.” Some dynamic call and response between snares and tenors along with a dramatic kiss will keep this show in the minds of everybody.

Wake Forest Independent – 2nd 78.000
“Contrary Motion” utilized different and motion and rhythms to portray their show. Many rhythms between the front ensemble and battery gave us a sense of contrary motion in music. The snare drum solo included stick on stick rolls, contrary to the traditional method of playing a roll.

Trifecta Indoor Percussion Ensemble – 3rd 73.000
Trifecta’s show spotlights someone traveling on “The Road Not Taken” by his peers. Instead of following in line with everyone else, he decides to take a different route and lead the group in the final phrase of this show.

Nebulous Percussion – 4th 66.700
Traveling into another dimension we encounter the deepest darkest corner of the imagination, the “Twilight Zone.” Mystery surrounds this door that leads to sights such as floating snare drums being played without bodies behind them, and bass drums being played with no hands!


Scholastic Marching Open

Dorman HS – 1st-tie 87.750
“In the Moment” is a very fun show, which captures the different moments of the show, and performers’ lives, in a snap shot. Different moments range from happy and sad moments to your and my moments. However, don’t forget the most important of all: This Moment!

Milton HS – 1st-tie 87.750
With a strong opening statement accompanied by fast drill, Milton HS’s show “The Unknown” was just that. The audience had no idea what to expect in this collection of loud impacts, steel drums melodies, and acoustic guitar riffs.

Cary HS – 3rd 66.350
Cary HS provided us with a jukebox full of iconic 80s tunes. Everyone in the audience was bobbing their heads to the unmistakable groove of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.” To complete the show, recognizable Devo hats were donned for Whip It!


Independent Marching Open

Palmetto Percussion – 1st 83.700
The audience was treated to seeing the finer intricacies of “The Butterfly Effect.” Palmetto started in the same opening set multiple times, but displayed how one factor can change the entire outcome of a phrase. Very interesting show and one not to be missed.

Atlanta Quest – 2nd-tie 81.950
“Addiction” was highlighted in Quest’s show, chronicling the different stages of addiction from temptation to desperation. However in the last piece of music, it was apparent we were Too Late (One Republic). We were addicted!

Pariah – 2nd-tie 81.950
“Motion” winds up quickly into a quick opening number with extensive body movement. The show then takes it down a notch as the ensemble is put into slow motion eventually ending completely motionless.


Scholastic Marching World

Forsyth Central HS – 1st 83.750
Forsyth Central’s show “Chill” begins with Carol of the Bells evoking thoughts of winter and transporting us to a winter wonderland. Then ensemble even becomes frozen at one point only to break free from the ice and finish the phrase. Very interesting tones were utilized in the front from what looked like ice blocks.


Independent Marching World

Odyssey Percussion Theater – 1st 74.950
“Unleash” began with the ensemble being controlled by some unknown force. The drummers were pushed faster and louder and the front ensemble had to keep up as well! Once everyone had rid themselves of their controlling collars it was apparent that the only way to celebrate is with louder and faster beats!

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