“A Day of Drumming” Comes to West Deptford High School on Saturday, May 22

Two of the country’s premiere “Marching Arts” performance ensembles have come together to create an unprecedented one-day educational experience for everyone interested in the world of marching percussion.

The Southern New Jersey-based Jersey Surf World Class Drum Corps and United Percussion & Arts, Inc. – the parent organization of United Percussion and United Percussion 2 – are working together to provide interested percussionists of all ages and experience levels with the opportunity to meet up outdoors on Saturday, May 22nd at the West Deptford High School Stadium complex in West Deptford, NJ, to spend the day drumming and learning from some of the region’s top percussion and marching arts educators.

“As we work to put the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic behind us, we are enthusiastic about the opportunity to restart programming by working with our partners from United Percussion to provide a wide-ranging day of low-stress learning and fun – which is a cornerstone of the unique fellowship of those participating in marching percussion worldwide,” says Bob Jacobs, executive director of the Camden County-based Jersey Surf. “Usually, the drum corps would be preparing to embark on a 10-week Drum Corps International nationwide summer tour. Sizable logistical challenges brought about due to the pandemic will prevent our participation in the limited tour this year for the first time in our 30-year history. So, along with our friends at United Percussion, we are instead using the time to invest in the development of aspiring percussionists and future percussion educators in our region by helping to get folks ready for summer and fall marching band and related activities.”

The event, open to participants aged 12 through adult, will feature sessions including small group and ensemble percussion instruction for varying ages and experience levels, as well as a lunch-and-learn drum circle and fundamentals of movement. The sessions will culminate with a “show and tell” performance for all taking part in the day’s activities. Instruments will be supplied, or participants may bring their own.

“We’ve created a highly flexible and highly-engaging day for folks to come out in a fun and low-stress environment,” Jacobs added. “Younger, less experienced players will gain tremendous experience along with their more seasoned counterparts. Marching music alumni of all ages and generations are welcomed and encouraged to take part, to ‘dust off their chops’ for a few hours with others who share their passion for percussion.”

For only $25 when registering in advance, Junior High, High School, College and Alumni percussionists of all stripes, including parade and field percussionists, drill team drummers, front ensemble and world percussion performers and marching cymbal players, are strongly encouraged to attend this unique one-day skills development workshop. High school percussion section leaders and instructors will benefit tremendously from participation in this event.

Additional info, schedule & event registration is available HERE.