Lafayette Percussion performed in concert, April 1, in the Theater. The performance showcased Rockwood Valley Middle School’s 6th grade percussion ensemble along with ten solos and ensembles, four of which qualified for the Missouri State Solo and Ensemble Festival on May 2.
But it wasn’t the number of state-qualifying performances, but instead the students within them that showcased the bright future of percussion at Lafayette.
Five underclassmen were among the seven state qualifying performers:
Livi Eshelman – 10th grade
Charlie Henson – 10th grade
Dean Klawiter – 10th grade
Charlie Heger – 9th grade
Maggie Janendran – 9th grade
One state-qualifying ensemble featuring senior Greg Umstead, juniors Sam Schoening and Thomas Morgan, and freshmen Charlie Heger and Maggie Janendran performed “Sharpened Stick” by Brett William Dietz. It is the first time any of the members have made it to state solo and ensemble.
“It feels incredible. Our hard work on the piece really paid off,” Umstead said, who has played for numerous ensembles and organizations throughout his four years at Lafayette, “we can’t wait to show it off to the judges one more time at the state festival.”
The piece consists mostly of varying percussion instruments each playing distinctive parts, but also features multiple sections played in unison, something that ensemble members are looking forward to.
“I am looking forward most to the middle of the piece, which has a snare duet that I share with Umstead,” said Schoening.
The piece doesn’t just include percussive parts, there are vocal sections as well.
“Dietz has the performers shouting various vocals to signify a change in direction in the music, which adds a very unique and fun element while performing,” said Umstead.
Ensemble member Heger not only made it to the state festival for “Sharpened Stick”, but also for his keyboard mallet solo “Furioso and Valse in D minor” by Earl Hatch. And he was not the only underclassman to qualify for more than one performance.
Henson and Klawiter also qualified for the state festival for both an ensemble and their own keyboard mallet solos, with Klawiter also qualifying for an additional snare drum solo.
“Everyone is constantly proving themselves by not only how fast they grow, but how they continuously make an effort to do so throughout all rehearsals and performances,” Umstead said, “I think the future of Lafayette percussion is a bright one.”
“On Thin Air” by John Willmarth, performed by the Rockwood Valley Middle School 6th grade percussion ensemble.
“Furioso and Valse in D minor” by Earl Hatch, performed by Charlie Heger.
“Celebration III” by Daiki Kato, performed by Maggie Janendran, Natalie Fischer, and Arpitha Sureshkumar.
“The Bomb” by Marty Hurley, performed by Jacob Tate.
“Crystals” by Thomas R. Marceau, performed by Symphonic Percussion.
“Gypsy Tonic” by Jesse Monkman, performed by Dean Klawiter.
“Sharpened Stick” by Brett William Dietz, performed by a Percussion Ensemble.
“Summer Treehouse” by Chad Floyd, performed by Charlie Henson.
“Satisfraction” by Erin Duke, performed by a Percussion Ensemble.
“Stormbreak” by Jim Casella, performed by Symphonic Percussion.
