During B8, the Unified Percussion Ensemble rehearses drumline cadences, preparing to perform at many different events including performances at St. Vrain Band Night, St. Vrain Accessibility Night, and other events around town, such as when an Elvis impersonator played at the MHS auditorium last school year.
At St. Vrain Accessibility Night, they feature all the different ways SVVSD can and has made things accessible to people who need it. The Unified Percussion Ensemble has been kicking off the event for the past three years.
Currently, the class has 15 performing students, and six mentor students, who sign up to help performers learn and perfect their music. One mentor student is Margo Feaster (‘26), who has been helping for nearly three years. Feaster said she has, “always liked being around all the students and getting to help,” and when the class was running out of mentors her sophomore year, she jumped on the opportunity to help.
One student performer, Elliot Anderson (‘28), said he enjoys playing “Happy” by Pharell Williams and practicing different types of beats.
“My favorite part is putting my sticks in the air and [practicing] pizza position”, added Anderson (‘28).
Both Ms. Judy’s and Feaster’s (‘26) favorite part of the class is getting to see students react to music and what it does for them. Every day, they get to see performers smile, dance, and sing.
“I feel like it kind of goes overlooked sometimes, but it’s the class that if I’m having a really bad day, going to Unified Percussion just cheers me up.” Ms. Judy said.
If you would like to sign up to become a mentor, all you have to do is sign up for the class with your counselor.
Ms. Judy, who has been teaching the class for the past four years says that “[T]here is no requirement for a musical background, since the music is fairly straightforward.”
To become a mentor, reach out to Ms. Judys’ email, [email protected], or talk to your counselor to join the class.
