The UC High Music Department is bringing back their Winter Percussion Program after a two-year hiatus, and kicked off the start of competition season with a performance of their competition routine in the gym on March 7.

   Senior Kyle Smith has been a part of the UC High Music Department since his freshman year. He said, “This upcoming competition season marks a new chapter for the UC High Music Department. This will be the first year after a two-year break that the UC High percussion enters a competitive winter season.”

  Smith said, “Being involved in the Winter Guard Association of Southern California (WGASC) percussion circuit, we are competing not only against other bands, but against our previous scores, each competition striving to be better and to be one collective entity striving to improve as a musical sound.¨

   Junior Ethan Oshmago said, “The theme of our performance is Edgar Allen Poe’s ‘The Raven.’ It’s about how a man goes crazy because a bird is reminding him of the passing of his true love.” Junior Salvy Deocampo plays the bass drum in Winter Percussion. She said, “Our show is very mysterious this year, and I think everyone is going to like it.”

   “Winter Percussion is different from other music programs at UC, because it focuses on highlighting the drum line and the front ensemble, whereas normally they kind of take a step back and add an additional layer of sound to the wind ensemble,” said Smith. “The style of music played is much more aggressive, and usually has a darker theme to highlight the complexity of the percussion instruments being used.”

   “As a senior in this program, I have the unique perspective of being the only current member of Winter Percussion who was in Winter Percussion before we took the two-year break and, seeing how well the program is faring this year, I can tell that despite the two-year break, our momentum is faster than it has ever been,” said Smith.

  Smith said, “The UC High program strives for its musicians to be as musically, disciplined and performance focused as possible, so that when we go out onto the court to perform, we can show UC in the best light possible.”

   Deocampo said, “I like how everyone is honest with their feedback. That is the most important thing for me.” Smith said, “Our members are putting in 100 percent of their effort and are each extremely talented in not only playing their instruments, but also in knowing how to be a performer.”

   Oshmago said, “My favorite part about being in Winter Percussion is being able to have fun with the people in the program and being able to put on a show that others could enjoy.”

   “Being able to manage in the face of struggle or adversity… is what separates us as musicians from less practiced and disciplined groups,” said Smith.

   Oshmago said, “I love my section [Visual Ensemble], because I enjoy being able to spend time with them, make jokes, and have a lot of fun.”