Boca Raton Percussion Regional Review

By T.L. Smith

It was a breezy but otherwise perfect Saturday evening in South Florida as the Boca Raton Regional took place. 15 of the area’s finest competitive ensembles battled for championship hardware as they gear up for the home stretch of the 2010 indoor season.

Scholastic Concert Open

West Boca HS, (FL) (1st:85.600)
The Vanguard percussion ensemble performed their show, “Red” and presented a cleverly orchestrated program that had melodic strains of “Red Line Tango” and “The Red Pony Suite.” The student’s performance was appreciated by all in attendance and this concert class group kicked off the finals contest with a demonstration of solid instrumental technique and strong ensemble communication.

Scholastic Marching A

Santaluces HS, (Fl) (1st: 87.950)
Beginning their show, “Machines” with a fantastic introduction from the front ensemble, Santaluces wowed the crowd with great energy, excellent role play by all performers and consistent performance quality both musically and visually. This ensemble will most certainly be in contention for top honors at the championship performance.

Coral Glades HS, (Fl) (2nd: 84.700)
Presenting their 2010 program titled, “The Letter,” Coral Glades opened the show with dramatic subject matter dealing with high school rejection and recovery. This program displayed solid vocals from a performer who sang all throughout. Supporting the vocals were an awesome keyboard section and great drum set player who demonstrated very sensitive touch. The batterie drummers did a wonderful job of playing very clearly and consistently during their finals performance. This spirited ensemble had the audience cheering wildly by the end of their presentation.

Palm Beach Central HS, (Fl) (3rd: 82.975)
PBC presented a whirlwind of a show with, “A Day at the Amusement Park.” This program features strong performers in all sections and the visual support of the overall theme is very cleverly and artistically done. Some of their props include a fun house, a rollercoaster and trick mirrors. The snare section solo is performed while their hands and drums are extended through a painted wall. Boasting several well played tenor and bass drum solos, this is a show that must be experienced live. Well done!

Stoneman Douglass HS, (Fl) (4th: 82.500)
Performing, “Shadow and Light,” Stoneman demonstrated a strong movement program combined with subtle but strong thematic material. The opening of the program featured the front ensemble and they commanded everyone’s attention with remarkable technique and a clear sense of phrasing and expression. The batterie impressed everyone with extended sections of multi-metered phrases, aggressive section solo moments and solid visual performance.

Cooper City HS, (Fl) (5th: 81.150)
Performing their show, “Culture of Conformity,” Cooper City began their program with a dark and somber perspective. This ensemble displayed very expressive keyboard playing and consistent performance quality from the snare and tenor sections. The dark intensity of this show led the audience to a moment of clarity which gave way to the ending. The conclusion of the show ended on a lighter note that left the audience resonating with “feel good.”

John I Leonard HS, (Fl) (6th: 80.675)
Opening with an impressive bass drum solo and physically demanding visuals, John I. performed their program titled, “Pandora’s Box.” Although the percussion ensemble is a bit younger this year, the training these ladies and gentlemen are receiving has led them to have consistent performance in each section and will have them set up for a strong end to the 2010 season.

West Broward HS, (Fl) (7th: 77.950)
Performing their show, “World Voices,” West Broward opened the program with a djembe solo and a nice groove to get things going. This program offered many nice moments of music/visual coordination and an enjoyable presentation of rhythmic textures representing several nations.

Independent Marching A

Aquarius Independent, (Fl) (1st: 80.450)
Sporting new drums, Aquarius demonstrated a very aggressive, powerful presentation of their program, “Man on the Moon.” This show offered the audience competent keyboard and drum set playing as well as intense performance quality from the floor ensemble. This program has shown great maturity as the season has progressed and is sure to get even stronger going into the end of the season.

Marcato Independent, (Fl) (2nd: 77.300)
In its debut season, Marcato presented their program, “Axis” which featured substantial interpretive dance and quite imaginative orchestrations. The visual integration between the dancer and floor ensemble is noteworthy and this group is expected to have strong performance quality going in to the end of the season. We will be waiting to see and hear more exciting things in the future of this program.

Scholastic Marching Open

Cypress Bay HS, (Fl) (1st:82.450)
“Are you out there?” was the title of this show which featured very creative costuming that represented the cosmos. This celestial themed program was very well performed and displayed the expertise of the keyboard section on many occasions. With well played ensemble moments and assertive section features, this program was very well received by the audience.

Independent Marching Open

Stryke Independent (Fl) (1st:86.050)
Stryke’s program, “Wish,” began with strains of “When You Wish upon a Star,” “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star,” “Satellite” and other snippets of extraterrestrial musical material. The program moves along with almost seamless transition and is over before one realizes it. The group does an excellent job of blending music & visual design elements and all segment features generate tons of crowd excitement. Stryke Percussion is a must see for 2010!

Independent Marching World

Infinity Independent (Fl) (1st:86.150)
Performing “Time Pieces,” Infinity once again demonstrates creative integration of all ensemble components during their program. All throughout the show, one can hear the sounds of time in both obvious and subtle ways. There are several hard-hitting segment solos blended with complex visual moments. These elements combine to create an emotionally charged program that is both thought provoking and extremely entertaining.

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