xylophone
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.

Concert/Symphonic Band Percussionists

Ritual of the Tribe - Ritual of the Tribe recording

The Path - The Path recording

9th Grade Percussionists

Here is a recording of “Conga” as it will be performed.

Conga - Conga recording

And here is the original version as performed by the Miami Sound Machine ;-)




The University of Northern Iowa - Kaji Daiko Taiko Ensemble performing “Yama-Biko”

Yama-Biko - UNI Kaji-Daiko Taiko Ensemble from Michael Thursby on Vimeo.