A new competition team is debuting at Tyrone this year.  For the first time ever, the Tyrone Music Department will field an indoor percussion team.

“Indoor percussion is a lot like marching band without the wind instruments involved, it’s all percussion,” said sophomore Derek Wilson, a member of the team.

According to TAHS Band Director David Hock, indoor percussion uses instruments such as snare drums, bass drums, marimbas, keyboard synthesizers, other keyboard instruments, and other accessory percussion instruments.

“Ever since I came to Tyrone I wanted to do indoor percussion, but my first two years just weren’t right, trying to get used to a new environment but this year I really wanted to give it a go,” said Hock, “I think the kids are really starting to get into it and really enjoy it.”

There are 11 high school and middle school students in this year’s indoor drum line and pit percussion section. They are currently rehearsing their 2016 show, titled Into Darkness.

Tyrone’s first performance is at home on February 27th, 2016 in the high school gym. There are at least 40 groups attending the show from schools across the region. 

Later they will travel to Windber, Glendale, Westmont, Johnstown, and St. Mary’s school districts for competition. The chapter championships will be held at St. Mary’s Area High School.

The units are placed either in the scholastic or independent groups. Scholastic groups belong to a school and involve only school aged students. The independent units do not associate with a specific school and can have members over the age of 18.  Groups can also perform as stationary or marching.  Tyrone will perform in the scholastic and stationary groups.

“I’m actually looking forward to competitions and seeing how the show goes throughout the season.  I believe its going to be a good show,” said Wilson.