Our Percussion Ensemble Program
The GREATEST musical experience available to students in Westchester!
Our Percussion Ensemble Program Inspires GREATNESS!!!
Our ensemble program is a life changing experience for students. Performing music with others of equal or greater ability is a cornerstone of great music education and performing with other like-minded musicians is by far one of the most transformative experiences a young musician can have. Through ensemble, we challenge students to become more than they ever thought possible. Those who participate make powerful friendships and learn the value of greatness through music. Our Ensemble Program is unlike any program of it's kind in the area.
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Students in our Percussion Ensemble Program have performed at The Stanley H Kaplan Penthouse in Lincoln Center, Queens College, and Dramatic Hall in Peekskill, NY. During the 2024-2025 season, our students will be performing at SUNY Purchase and The Zildjian Day of Drums and Percussion. Additionally, concerts are presented in the fall and spring at the Simon Boyar School of Drums and Percussion along with a major Holiday Concert event.
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The Ensemble Program meets every Wednesday from 5:30-8:30pm (most students are not needed for the entire rehearsal) during the school year and consists of students 7th-12th grade who are grouped by age and level. There is also a Junior Ensemble Program for students 3rd-6th grade. We offer both the opportunity to sign up by semester or for the full year program and we also have the ability to accommodate a variety of student schedules including students who are involved in sports and other after school activities. ​All students also participate in rehearsals, masterclasses, and guest artist events.
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Students come from across Westchester and beyond to participate in the ensemble program and give life changing performances alongside each other, our faculty, and world-renowned percussionist Simon Boyar.​
Find YOUR VOICE
Ensemble Program participants are exposed to the full spectrum of drum and percussion instruments along with multi-genre chamber music literature. This crucial introduction to new instruments and music is very often a game changer for students as they journey outside of their comfort zone, expand their playing ability, and feed their mind.
Many drummers who have entered our Ensemble Program have learned mallet instruments, timpani, and a variety of useful skills. We perform with and without a conductor with a focus on reading, improvisation, arrangements on drum set, multi percussion, traps percussion, mallet keyboard instruments, hand drums, and SO MUCH MORE! Additionally, students have additional opportunities to perform jazz standards and rock music.
Students are also exposed to guest artists and professional musicians who add a great deal to the overall experience. It's an experience that is full of options and opportunity to find your most potent creative musical voice!​
A SERIOUSLY SUBSTANTIAL experience
Our Ensemble Program is as comprehensive as it is compelling. Throughout the year, students participate in masterclasses with Simon Boyar as well as various guest artists. Past guest artists include Members of the Off Broadway hit show STOMP, Jon Berger (The Addams Family), John Ferrari (Manhattan School of Music, Bang On A Can All Stars), Joe Choroszewski (Avenue Q. Radio City), Afro-cuban percussionist Javier Diaz (On Your Feet!, West Side Story, The Juilliard School), Broadway and television drummer and percussionist Clint de Ganon (created the drum books for Hairspray, Footloose, appearances on SNL, David Letterman, Good Morning America, The Today Show), Noah Hadland (Waitress National Tour), Valerie Naranjo (SNL, The Lion King), Maio Obregon, Yamaha Northeast District Manager, Josh Quillen of So Percussion, Peter Saleh (Fiddler on The Roof in Yiddish), and Wilson Torres (In The Heights).
Our Junior Ensemble Program give younger students the chance to
In addition to our Flagship Ensemble Program we are proud to offer a program specifically designed for younger students from 3rd to 6th grade who would like the opportunity to experience our program.
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Junior Ensemble is offered on a smaller scale to give younger students the opportunity to "try out" the experience. Many students who participate in Junior Ensemble also go on to join our flagship program.
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Junior Ensemble is a great way to become acquainted with performing in a supportive and fun environment! Learn more about our current Junior Ensemble offering here. ​
Wow this all sounds AMAZING but my child has many different interests besides music. Can we still participate?
Our Ensemble Program is a substantial yet flexible program where students can either participate on a limited basis or more. We are also happy to offer sign up by semester.
Additionally, most students are not needed for our entire rehearsal block and due to our ability to accommodate a variety of schedules, we have many students who play sports and participate in other extra curricular activities as well.
If you have scheduling concerns or additional questions, we encourage you to read our Ensemble FAQ which will answer many commonly asked questions. You are also always welcome to reach out directly with any additional scheduling questions you may have.
INTERESTED?
Students must be enrolled in lessons at the Simon Boyar School of Drums and Percussion in order to participate in our Ensemble Program. If they are enrolled in lessons elsewhere, a short video demonstrating your playing ability must be submitted. Students who participate must be dedicated and prepared to put in the effort required to make their experience in the Ensemble Program a success. If you are interested in being a part of the Ensemble Program you can review our 2024-2025 program here.
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