In the Grand Rapids School District #318 we offer a comprehensive percussion program as a part of our band program. The percussionists study music of various styles and from different countries. The percussion ensembles include a classical percussion group for each band, world percussion ensemble (Afro-Cuban, African, Chinese, and Japanese Taiko Drumming), a Drumline and Winter Drumline program, and in the future a Steel Band. Students in the Grand Rapids program will study percussion from its origins, looking at the history of our instruments. We also look to the future. The idea of electronics and the newest innovations of percussion are currently on our minds. With the emergence of YouTube the world of music is constantly changing and as a program we continue to push the envelope of what is possible.
