This year, Chatham Band has introduced some new additions to the program. The CHS Band has 4 new small-group ensembles across various sections, providing students with a different extracurricular experience. Auditions for the newly formed Percussion Ensemble, Woodwind Quintet, Brass Quintet, and Saxophone Quartet opened earlier this year, and even I tried out for one myself.
After I passed the audition for Percussion Ensemble, I learned that these groups meet once or twice a week during the first half of lunch. Our first group piece, accurately titled “Drums. Loud. Good.” involves garbage cans, a drumset, and various other percussion instruments. Student leader of the Percussion Ensemble, Robert Marcellino, says, “I really enjoy the energy of the piece. The juxtaposition between the loud and soft parts really shows what this group can do.” And he is right. This group of talented musicians each has a chance to shine with solos in the piece.
Beyond Percussion Ensemble, Vice President of Symphonic Band, member of Woodwind Quintet, and Saxophone Quartet, Justin Klatt says, “As a member of many musical groups at CHS, these ensembles are different because they offer an opportunity to play pieces with the same instrument family. There are some leadership opportunities for students and it’s a really cool experience to do with your peers.”
The future is unpredictable, but CHS Director of Bands Mx. Lemley says, “If these groups continue, I could envision a future where there are multiple levels of each ensemble. The collaboration is great and it gives students more opportunities.” Mx. Lemley also hopes to invite some of these groups to perform at the upcoming CHS Band concert on April 22nd.
