PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE SHINES ON CONCERT SPOTLIGHT

By ROBBIE STRATAKOS

Washingtonville High School is not all about sports and clubs; it is much more than just that. One facet of the high school that can sometimes go unnoticed and unappreciated is the music department. Ranging from the trumpet, to the clarinet, to even the percussion section, Washingtonville is home to a very diverse musical unit. That makes the department very versatile.

ROBBIE STRATAKOS FOR WIZARD WEEKLY

Led by Mr. Briggs and Mr. Contzius, Washingtonville has built a very successful music program. This department has grown and has been home to a number of talented, and upcoming musicians over the years.  Senior percussionist, David O’Keefe, says both of these men are to be thanked for the group’s success. “Mr. Contzius and Mr. Briggs are two of the most knowledgeable music educators I’ve met during my education, and we couldn’t have done the ensemble without them,” explained O’Keefe .

Last Friday, the Wind Ensemble partook in their yearly “Pops Concert.”  At this event, the wind ensemble played hit songs that can be heard on the radio today.  However, it was members of the percussion section that really put themselves on display. Midway through the concert, the percussion section performed an individual and unique solo, also referred to as “the percussion ensemble.” While the music and tone tend to be pretty civil, this solo came across to the watchful eyes and ears of the audience as a loud, different, upbeat, and a very unique tone.  A big part of that notion was due to the setting of the event. 

The group used trash cans as drums, setting the stage for a unique performance. It was a magnificent sight for all eyes as the performance was a different and also very invigorating occurrence to watch transpire.  O’Keefe believes that the performance was stirring and showed just how special music truly is. “The performance was exhilarating because it was the end result of almost the entire school year to this point. Music is unique because it’s a portal through which complex ideas are expressed without words,” noted O’Keefe.  Overall, the percussion section put forth an impressive and exceedingly distinctive performance showing just how talented and advanced the Washingtonville Music Department truly is.