2025-2026 Flagship Percussion Ensemble Program
Junior Percussion Ensemble go here
Age/Level
7th-12th Grade
Performing with other like-minded musicians is a cornerstone of your training. It’s the reason we take lessons and ultimately, it’s what music is all about! Our Ensemble Program is a tremendously impactful musical experience and by far, the most substantial performance opportunity for students in Westchester. Students engage in a truly profound and life-changing musical and social experience where they will perform alongside their colleagues and broaden their musical horizons in nearly every way possible.
2025/2026 performance highlights include a performance at the Zildjian Day of Drums and Percussion, a performance at SUNY Purchase, an extended double performance as a part of Jessica Lynn's Very Merry Classic Christmas at Paramount in Peekskill NY, and both Fall and Winter Studio Concert Events. Students in the Flagship program will also have the opportunity to participate in specialized Chamber Percussion Ensemble groups and an give an optional performance in our Holiday Concert.
Sign up by semester
While it is strongly encouraged to participate in Ensemble the full year, we offer a semester by semester option for students who either cannot participate the entire year, or who would simply like the opportunity to sign up for 1 semester at a time.
Please keep in mind that if you are new to Ensemble, it will be significantly more challenging to enter the program mid year. If you would like to sign up by semester, you are strongly encouraged to sign up for the fall semester and then revisit in the winter. Details about semester by semester signs up and fees are listed below.
General Information
Ensemble consists of students from 7th-12th grade (6th graders may join on a case by case basis) and meets on Weds from 5:30-8:30pm. Students are placed in groups based on age and skill level. These groups will be revisited each semester. Not every student will be required to attend the entire rehearsal.
Some students in the Flagship program will also have the opportunity this year to participate in smaller focused Chamber Percussion Ensemble groups. These groups will have specific requirements to join. Additionally, students who are asked to participate in these specialized groups may not miss rehearsal for sports or other activities.
A clear and professional rehearsal block schedule will be sent out once sign ups are complete.
All of the information about our program is included in order below. Please note that the fall signup deadline is August 15th.
General Rehearsal Schedule, Performance Timelines, and Additional Information
Red - Performances
Blue - Rehearsals
All Weds rehearsals at 5:30-8:30pm. Students will not need to be at the entire rehearsal. Please also note several Saturday morning rehearsals on the schedule.
Fall Concert Timeline/Rehearsal Schedule
Weds 9/3 - opening meeting, first general rehearsal, and Zildjian Day Rehearsal
Weds 9/10
Performance #1 - Zildjian Day of Drums and Percussion at the Simon Boyar School of Drums and Percussion, Saturday September 13th, 2025 at 3pm.
Ensemble students will open the year with a short performance at our Zildjian Day of Drums and Percussion, a full day community wide event sponsored by Zildjian that will feature presentations, giveaways, guest artists, and performances!
Weds 9/17
Weds 9/24
Weds 10/1
Weds 10/8
Weds 10/15
Weds 10/22
Saturday 10/25 9am-12pm
Weds 10/29
Performance #2 - SUNY Purchase - Saturday, November 1st, time TBA
Students will visit SUNY Purchase for a 15-20 min performance set as a part of the SUNY Purchase Day of Percussion. Repertoire TBD.
Weds 11/5
Performance #3 - Fall Concert - Saturday, November 8th, 2025 at the Simon Boyar School of Drums and Percussion, Dress Rehearsal 9am-11am, Concert at 4pm
Our Fall Concert will consist of all the ensemble music that we have been working on during the fall. The concert will be recorded.
Weds 11/12 5:30-7:30pm NO REHEARSAL
Weds 11/19 5:30-7:30pm Paramount Rehearsal - Full Ensemble Program
Weds 11/26 NO REHEARSAL
Weds 12/3 5:30-7:30pm Paramount Rehearsal - Full Ensemble Program
OPTIONAL PERFORMANCE - Holiday Concert, Saturday, December 6th at 4pm.
This year's Holiday Concert will be in the form of a Studio Wide Recital that will be open to the entire school. Ensemble students may opt to give a performance at this event as well free of charge. This is an entirely OPTIONAL performance. Ensemble students are NOT required to participate.
Weds 12/10 5:30-7:30pm Paramount Rehearsal - Full Ensemble Program
Performance(s) #4/5 - Performance weekend at the Paramount in Peekskill NY, A Very Merry Christmas with Jessica Lynn
Tech Rehearsal Friday, December 12th at 5-8pm
Performance Saturday, December 13th at 7pm (6pm call time)
Performance Sunday, December 14th at 3pm (2pm call time)
Our performance at the Paramount this year and our role in the show will be significantly expanded into a double performance that will include a special choreographed version of Drummer Boy and an additional song feature.
NO REHEARSAL Weds 12/17, 12/24, 12/31 ENJOY YOUR BREAK!!!
Winter Concert Timeline/Rehearsal Schedule
Please note, we will also be holding several mandatory Saturday rehearsals in the lead up to our concert on Saturday, March 21st.
Weds 1/7 5:30-8:30pm
Weds 1/14
Weds 1/21
Weds 1/28
Weds 2/4
Weds 2/11
Weds 2/18 NO REHEARSAL
Weds 2/25
Weds 3/4
Saturday 3/7, 9am-12pm
Weds 3/11
Saturday 3/14, 9am-12pm
Weds 3/18
Performance #6 - Winter Concert Saturday, March 21st at the Simon Boyar School of Drums and Percussion, Dress Rehearsal 9am-11am, Concert at 4pm
Our winter concert is a culmination of everything we’ve learned throughout the year. Assignments will be made based on student goals and commitment. The concert will be recorded.
2025/2026 Ensemble Program Fee Overview
While it is strongly encouraged to participate in Ensemble the full year, we offer a semester by semester option for students who either cannot participate the entire year, or who would simply like the opportunity to sign up for 1 semester at a time.
Payment In Full
Fall Semester $899
Due 8/15
Winter Semester $899
Due 12/15 - please note that enrollment for the Winter Semester must be complete by this date
Fall and Winter Semester $1748 (save $50)
Due 8/15
Monthly Payment Option
By semester - 4 equal payments of $224.75
Payments due 8/15, 10/1, 11/1, 12/1
Fall and Winter semester - 8 equal payments of $224.75
Payments due 8/15, 10/1, 11/1, 12/1, 1/1, 2/1, 3/1, and 4/1
Credit Card Payments
You may pay for Ensemble by credit card. If you decide to do this, a 4% convenience fee will be attached to your payment. If you are paying monthly and decide to pay by credit card you will be sent a separate invoice for ensemble each month with the fee attached.
Requirements
Students must be enrolled in lessons at the Simon Boyar School of Drums and Percussion in order to participate in our ensemble program. If you are enrolled in lessons elsewhere, a short video of your playing must be submitted.
Junior Ensemble Program 2025-2026
Age/Level
3rd-6th Grade
Sign up Deadline
August 15th
Content
Our Ensemble Program is a tremendously impactful musical experience and by far, the most substantial performance opportunity for students in Westchester. Junior Ensemble is a great way to become acquainted with performing in a supportive and fun environment. We highly recommend it for young students who are enjoying their lessons and excited to learn more.
Students engage in life-changing musical and social experience where they will perform alongside other students their age and broaden their musical horizons in nearly every way possible through exposure to new instruments, music, and an overall elevated experience. Students will be given parts, participate in rehearsals, and perform in a concert which will be recorded. This is a major opportunity to put some of the skills we learn in lessons to use. Performing with other like-minded musicians is a cornerstone of your training. It’s the reason we take lessons and ultimately, it’s what music is all about!
Junior Ensemble Program Evolution and the Opportunity To Grow
This year, our Junior Ensemble participants will be included on our main Flagship Studio Percussion Ensemble concerts. This will give Junior Ensemble participants the opportunity to participate in our main concert events alongside older members of our main program.
Junior Ensemble participants will also once again have the opportunity to participate in Billboard Charting Artist Jessica Lynn's show a Very Merry Classic Christmas on stage at the Paramount in Peekskill, NY!!! Our role in this spectacular show will be significantly expanded into a double performance that will include a special choreographed version of Drummer Boy and an additional song feature.
You must be signed up for the full fall Junior Ensemble program to participate in Jessica Lynn's Very Merry Classic Christmas at the Paramount. There is also an additional fee for this opportunity.
Sign up by semester
Junior Ensemble participants may sign up for our program one semester at a time.
Rehearsal Attendance Policy
Please be aware that while it is strongly recommended, you DO NOT need to be available for all of the rehearsal dates listed below to participate in Junior Ensemble. If you have a conflict, please don’t let that discourage you. we will be happy to try and work it out with you.
1st Semester
Rehearsals
Saturday 9/6 1-2pm
Saturday 9/20
Saturday 9/27
Saturday 10/4
Saturday 10/11
Saturday 10/18
Saturday 10/25
Saturday 11/1
Performance #1 - Saturday, November 8th, 2025 at the Simon Boyar School of Drums and Percussion
Dress Rehearsal 11am-12pm
Concert at 4pm
Our Fall Concert will consist of all the ensemble music that we have been working on during the fall. The concert will be recorded.
Weds 11/12 5:30-7:30pm NO REHEARSAL
Weds 11/19 5:30-7:30pm Paramount Rehearsal - Full Ensemble Program
Weds 11/26 NO REHEARSAL
Weds 12/3 5:30-7:30pm Paramount Rehearsal - Full Ensemble Program
Weds 12/10 5:30-7:30pm Paramount Rehearsal - Full Ensemble Program
Performance(s) #2/3 - Performance weekend at the Paramount in Peekskill NY with Billboard Charting Artist Jessica Lynn for her amazing Christmas Show!!!
Tech Rehearsal Friday, December 12th at 5-8pm
Performance Saturday, December 13th at 7pm (6pm call time)
Performance Sunday, December 14th at 3pm (2pm call time)
Our performance at the Paramount this year and our role in the show will be significantly expanded into a double performance that will include a special choreographed version of Drummer Boy and an additional song feature.
NO REHEARSAL Saturday 12/20, 12/27, 1/3
2nd Semester
Saturday 1/10 1-2pm
Saturday 1/17
Saturday 1/24
Saturday 1/31
Saturday 2/7
Saturday 2/14 NO REHEARSAL
Saturday 2/21 NO REHEARSAL
Saturday 2/28
Saturday 3/7
Saturday 3/14
Performance #4 - Winter Concert Saturday, March 21st at the Simon Boyar School of Drums and Percussion, Dress Rehearsal 11am-12pm, Concert at 4pm
Performance Examples
Here are some performance videos and examples of our Junior Ensemble.
Fee
$379 per semester due 8/15
You are welcome to pay in two installments of $189.50
Add $99 to your 1st semester payment if participating in the Paramount Performance
Ensemble Program FAQ
How much does the Flagship Ensemble Cost?
Payment In Full
Fall Semester $899
Due 8/15
Winter Semester $899
Due 12/15 - please note that enrollment for the Winter Semester must be complete by this date
Fall and Winter Semester $1748 (save $49)
Due 8/15
Monthly Payment Option
By semester - 4 equal payments of $224.75
Payments due 8/15, 10/1, 11/1, 12/1
Fall and Winter semester - 8 equal payments of $224.75
Payments due 8/15, 10/1, 11/1, 12/1, 1/1, 2/1, 3/1, and 4/1
How much does the Junior Ensemble Cost?
$379 per semester due 8/15
You are welcome to pay in two installments of $189.50
Add $99 to your 1st semester payment if participating in the Paramount Performance
I’m involved in sports and other activities. Is there any way for me to participate?
Absolutely YES! If you are someone who is going to put in the work and remain committed we will work with you. While not ideal, we have no problem with students needing to miss a rehearsal from time to time as long as when they attend rehearsal they are fully prepared. Additionally, we can certainly design your level of participation if you are concerned about being overwhelmed. You don’t need to be in every piece we play. The SB School has a successful track record of supporting and working with families who have multiple interests and I encourage you to reach out to us with your concerns. Again, WE WILL WORK WITH YOU!!!
Some students in the Flagship program will have the opportunity to participate in smaller focused Chamber Percussion Ensemble groups with specific requirements to join. Students who are asked to participate in these specialized groups may not miss rehearsal for sports or other activities.
I’m really nervous about playing with other students. I think I want to wait until the “right moment” to try this out.
I hear this quite a bit. Truthfully, there will never be a “right moment.” Learning music is fun and fulfilling but it’s also about challenging yourself and meeting goals. It’s important to recognize that playing with other students is the very reason we take lessons to begin with. Additionally, Ensemble is a supportive environment. We want to welcome new people.
I am opting into monthly payments. If after a few months it’s not working out, are we still responsible for the remaining balance?
Yes. While payment options are provided for convenience, once you sign up, you are responsible for the entire balance. If you leave the program early for any reason you still must pay the remaining balance either monthly or in full.
I'm already enrolled in lessons at the school. Why do I have to pay an additional fee for Ensemble?
It takes a great deal of resources to run an ensemble program. From instruments, to guest artists, to concerts, to the sheer amount of time spent rehearsing and putting the material together, ensemble is a substantial commitment on everyone’s part. It needs to be supported financially. If you enjoy the experience of performing alongside other musicians with personalized parts and music in a state of the art drum and percussion studio with top of the line instruments surrounded by a supportive community of professional guest artist musicians and music lovers, you have to pay for it.
Can I miss rehearsals for school and family functions?
While technically all rehearsals are mandatory, if you are truly committed to learning your parts and working with your colleagues you will find me to be extremely flexible and even helpful when things come up. If you are doing the work and doing what you’re supposed to be doing we will work with you.
Ensemble seems like it’s only for serious students. I’m just having fun and I only want to take lessons.
This point of view is certainly well-meaning but slightly misguided. It’s important to realize that percussion ensembles of some sort exist in most parts of the country. This is because like lessons, they are an essential part of your training. It’s only in our area that they are perceived as something “extra” for “serious students.” Unfortunately, our area represents the exception to what is taking place in many if not most school districts across the country.
Ok that makes sense but again, I’m just having fun with lessons. I don’t really care about the big picture. Why should I do this?
Lessons are certainly essential. However, absolutely NOTHING compares to performing alongside other students. The challenges, performances, and AMAZING moments that take place during Ensemble are experiences that will last a lifetime. You will truly experience what your training has to offer and have more fun than you ever thought possible playing music.
I already perform in my school band program. Do I really need to be in Ensemble?
We consistently encourage and support students being a part of their band program. We also have great relationships with nearly every music department in our area and we fully and unequivocally support their efforts. Despite the fact that most music programs in Westchester have excellent and dedicated teachers, most school music programs in our area are simply not equipped to provide the kind of personalized experiences and performances needed. There are very few challenges and substantial opportunities available. This is especially true for drums and percussion. Students in our ensemble program will play more notes on better instruments, interact on a deeper level, and be personally challenged in a way that is only possible in a program with the proper focus and resources. Beyond that, students who participate in our Ensemble Program are often leaders in their school music programs. They tend to add tremendous value to the overall experience of their classmates. This is why our efforts are often strongly supported by band programs and educators in our area.
Why do I have to be signed up for lessons to participate?
Your own personal development will determine your success in Ensemble and private lessons are an essential cornerstone of that development. Without a private teacher to give you the personal one-on-one attention that you need to progress, it is nearly impossible to be successful in something like Ensemble.
Ensemble sounds great but my child isn’t serious enough. I want to wait until they are serious and then I will sign them up.
As a parent myself I totally get this. However, I would also point out that without the proper opportunity to discover what’s “out there,” it can be hard or even impossible for a student to ever fully experience what their training has to offer. Unfortunately, I see this time and time again. Without performances and goals to work towards things can become stagnant and students quit just when the best part is about to happen. Ensemble showcases the power and joy of what we do from every angle. If you know why you come here for lessons, I urge you to review our program and give it a chance. You won’t be sorry.