Percussion Program Information

We enjoy playing,

learning music,

and being part of the Plano Band.

Education: The model of learning used in organizing the success of the Plano Percussion program is as follows:
1. Take into account what students are like and how much they know.
2. Specify what is to be learned.
3. Provide instruction by taking advantage of what has been discovered about learning, cognitive strategies, and motivation.
4. Determine if students have learned.

Specifying what is to be learned is often the logical place to begin with older percussionists, but it may not be the best first step when dealing with younger students. The application of these principles will be found in the percussion program's components: applied/chamber/methods, drumline, orchestral/symphonic, steel band, and world/ethnic.

Applied Lessons/Chamber/Methods: Applied/Chamber/Methods is the most important aspect of the Plano Percussion Program, that is, involving solos and ensembles.

The depth and aptitude of Plano Percussion is built here. This emphasis makes the Plano percussionists more versatile by
(1) building them into greater technicians,
(2) maturing them to their highest musical potential, and
(3) developing virtuoso abilities.

During the solo and ensemble season, Dec-Feb, each Plano percussionist is involved in 1-2 solos and 3 or more ensembles. All percussion students will prepare at least 1 solo. All students will perform a completed solo at a sanctioned solo and ensemble festival.

Should the student decide not to participate in the solo festival, a performance of their solo will be required at an audience-attended Plano Percussion departmental recital scheduled at the end of a school day in February.

Students are encouraged to participate in the applied lesson program consisting of a weekly private lesson throughout the school year.

During solo and ensemble season, Dec-Feb, any Plano Senior High School percussionist not involved in the applied lesson program will be required to meet with Michael Hernandez for a weekly 15 minute lesson, pro bono.

Drumline: The most visible component of the Plano Percussion Program is the Plano Drumline.

Nationally acclaimed, the Plano Drumline is comprised of marching snare drums, tenor drums, bass drums, cymbals, and keyboard and concert percussion.

As an integral part of the famed Plano Senior High School Marching Band, the drumline supports campus activities through pep rally performances, sporting events, holiday parades, and other community endeavors.

A progressive attribute associated with the Plano Drumline is its involvement in competitive drumline show competition. The highly successful Plano Drumline Competition held in September represents this percussive idiom.

The competitive drumline show includes but is not limited to the Plano Marching Band seasonal repertoire. Musical, visual, and drill design elements are skillfully integrated to create a performance experience unlike no other. This "Sport of the Arts" has gained much momentum over the past 15 years with the Plano Drumline as a leading influence.

Orchestral & Symphonic Percussion: The Plano Senior High School Music Department, recognized as one of the finest in the nation, is comprised of a winds studies program (Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band), a strings program (Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra), and vocal department (choir, show choir).

Each program offers the percussionist a chance to musically interact with musicians of other disciplines. This genre known as symphonic or orchestral percussion is an important and highly respected aspect of the Plano Percussion Program.

The symphonic training elevates a percussionist to the true level of music artist. The compositions demand an increasingly more exacting standard of techniques and musicianship allowing the percussionist to experience an expanded colorful percussion palette with its many beautiful subtleties.

PanCats Steel Drum Band & Pan Ragga Round de'Neck Band: The Plano Senior High School PanCats Steel Drum Band consists tenors, double tenors, double seconds, guitars, 6 bass, and engine room. The PanCats keep a busy performance schedule in and around the Plano Community.

Comprised of Plano percussionists, the PanCats specialize in Caribbean and other styles of music such as Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, Latin, Jazz, Rock, and Pop.

In addition to the full steel orchestra, the Cats also include Pan Ragga 'Round de Neck Band consisting of a single tenor, single second, single bass, and engine room. Pan Ragga represents the true humble beginnings of the steel drum band when pans were carried with straps and music paraded through the streets of Port of Spain, Trinidad.

The PanCats are honored to have been part of the charter group of steel drum performers in the 1st Annual Carnival of Steel Music Festival held in 2004 at Richland College.

World Percussion: The rich cultures of Africa, Asia, and Latin America comprise the focus of the Plano Percussion World/Ethnic component. Students are able to expand their musical learning experience and functionality by researching, studying, and performing the various styles, practices, and playing techniques.

The Asian influence includes music of China, Japan, India, Indonesia, and the Arab world, offering its emphasis in pure melody with intricate rhythmic accompaniment. Highly refined African rhythms challenge the performer to master syncopated cross-patterns between drums. The Latin American focus on hand drums and innovative timbres add to the student's percussive vocabulary.

Throughout the school year, each Plano percussionist will rely on this experience to enhance every other component of the percussion program.

Plano Middle School Drumline: What?:
A drumline is a large percussion ensemble that uses special percussion instruments and is an intregal part of a marching band. If you have ever attended any Plano Sr. High football game, then you know exactly what it is.

Who?:
Any 6th through 8th grade Plano Sr. High School Cluster middle school band percussionist.

Why?:
It is no secret that the Plano Drumline is one of the best in the nation. Why? Because it is FUN and VERY COOL! Thanks to the support of our middle school band directors, our middle school drumline gives all percussionists an opportunity to have increased musical enjoyment and success in a group activity. We are sure there will be much excitement, and you will want to be part of the great tradition.

Where?:
Plano Senior High School Band Hall

When?:
Drumline rehearsals to will be on Mondays 5:30 (6th gr), 6:45 (7th/8th), and 8:00pm (8th/7th)

How?:
Download...General Information
Download...Membership Application Form

More explained at parent meeting, Monday January 8, 2007 6:30pm in PSHS Fine Arts Bldg

Beginner Percussion Placement Audition: The Plano Beginner Percussion Audition Process is a thorough, time-tested, rubric-based system that evaluates a student's percussion aptitude.

Developed by Michael A. Hernandez, this evaluation tool is highly successful with long term positive results. The audition system provides reliable information for both educator and parent.

The goal of the evaluation is to help the student achieve musical success, therefore enjoying a favorable experience in the music program.

Recitation Series: Simply defined, it is public instance of reciting or repeating (from memory) something prepared in advance.

The Recitation Series offers ours students opportunities that include, but not limited to, clinics, masterclasses, recitals, artist-in-residence education, and any face-time experience with professionals that will enhance a student's experience and broaden their horizons. Most events are geared to promote a healthy, well-balanced mindset for our students, parents, and community and not to serve as a means of braggadocia.

Recitation Series events have included/or are pending:; Our hope is that the Recitation Series serves to our students knowledge, enthusiasm, problem solving skills, good attitude, adaptability, and an overall rewarding educational experience while guiding them in assessing their own potential for growth and contribution.; Our hope is that the Recitation Series serves to our students knowledge, enthusiasm, problem solving skills, good attitude, adaptability, and an overall rewarding educational experience while guiding them in assessing their own potential for growth and contribution.; Our hope is that the Recitation Series serves to our students knowledge, enthusiasm, problem solving skills, good attitude, adaptability, and an overall rewarding educational experience while guiding them in assessing their own potential for growth and contribution.; Our hope is that the Recitation Series serves to our students knowledge, enthusiasm, problem solving skills, good attitude, adaptability, and an overall rewarding educational experience while guiding them in assessing their own potential for growth and contribution.; Our hope is that the Recitation Series serves to our students knowledge, enthusiasm, problem solving skills, good attitude, adaptability, and an overall rewarding educational experience while guiding them in assessing their own potential for growth and contribution.