participants varies from year to year but has generally run from Third through Eighth Grades. The combination of younger and older boys is integral, with the intention that the beginning students will benefit from exposure to more experienced percussionists. It has been my great pleasure to see boys within this range of skill levels working collaboratively.
During every Percussion Ensemble session, the youngest percussionists have the chance to observe well prepared senior members rehearse challenging repertoire, elaborate on a variety of musical considerations, and solve logistical issues associated with maintaining an arsenal of instruments and accessories. When Percussion Ensemble rehearsals require breaking into smaller groups for specialized focus, younger boys have often been able to receive coaching from a more experienced percussionist. This situation requires the older boys to evaluate how they are approaching their music and to communicate the process. For the younger boys, the oneon-one experience with an upperclassman provides endless inspiration. In working together, senior players are realizing their musical ambition and simultaneously illustrating and issuing the challenge that lies ahead for the youngest.
Further collaborative efforts can be found during lunch periods when percussive tones resonate through the corridors off of Hyman Hall above the din of lunch. Assuredly, percussionists who have requested extra practice time will be found with confidently prepared peers who are willing to forgo lunch to coach their classmates. Through their interactions in percussion, the boys find musical accordance in teamwork and reciprocal initiative.
Recently, while escorting one of our youngest percussion students from his lesson to his homeroom, we happened to walk part of the way with a senior percussionist from Eighth Grade. Neither boy had had the opportunity to meet the other before. Over the brief time they were together, from the first floor to the fourth, the boys exchanged details about how long they each had been taking lessons and their experiences in percussion. What struck me as I listened to their conversation was the sense of pride that each exhibited in their own way toward their musical experiences at Saint David’ s. With smiles on their faces, each finding a brief camaraderie at opposite ends of our musical and percussive spectrum; one at the commencement of his musical education and the other at the conclusion of his. As drummers / percussionists, both are part of a unique musical club that prides itself on being all that it can be. M
John Francis directs the Percussion Ensemble at Saint David’ s School.
32 • Saint David’ s Magazine