Students from two of Oak Mountain High School’s percussion ensembles had the opportunity to complete last month at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, where one ensemble took top overall honors at the event.

Competition in the Chamber Percussion Ensemble category came from top high schools all over the world.  This competition requires students to play high level chamber percussion literature with up to six members without a conductor.

The Oak Mountain “Percussion Ensemble I” performed Escape Velocity by Dave Hall and Ogoun Badagris by Christopher Rouse.  “Percussion Ensemble II” performed Breakdown by Bradley Slayter.

Both of the Oak Mountain Percussion Ensembles had superior performances and received many positive comments from the judges.  “Percussion Ensemble I” came in first place overall in the competition.

Students who compose Ensemble I include Amelia Enix, Everett Clemons, Sam Williams, Yuri Takayama, and Joseph Wendel.  Ensemble II consists of Sullivan Smith, Jacob Nelson, Mason Stevens, and Chris Tanahey.

Oak Mountain High School takes their percussion music very seriously.  They have over thirty percussion students in the various bands and two full time Chamber Percussion Ensembles. They are all under the direction of Mr. Kevin Ownby, who serves as our percussion specialist as well as Director of Bands.