Percussion gets the spotlight at Elk Grove High School invitational

Percussion ensembles usually relegated to the back of a band or orchestra found themselves front and center Saturday at Elk Grove High School's second annual Choral Invitational and Percussion Festival.

While concert choirs made their way to the school's theater for the choral invitational, percussion students -- carrying everything from their mallets and sticks, to their cymbals and bongos --converged on the band and orchestra rooms.

They performed before professional percussionists, including Bob Rummage, currently playing in the pit orchestra for "Wicked," and Hersey High School graduate Joe Sonneflt, who played timpani in the "Lion King" pit, among many others.

"Percussionists can be musical, believe it or not," said Tom Leddy, Elk Grove's percussion director, who also served as a judge, and evaluated each member's technique and sound.

Students found their venues outfitted with multiple marimbas, vibraphones, xylophones, timpani and drums, to use for their performances.

"We've more than doubled the number of schools this year," said Ron Fiorito, Elk Grove High School band director. "We think it's the only festival of its kind in the area, strictly devoted to percussion."

Local ensembles included those from Wheaton North, Barrington, Lake Park, Round Lake, Hersey, Rolling Meadows and Elk Grove high schools.

"I usually play a drum set, but this takes a lot more technique," said Aaron Martinez, a junior from Wheaton North.

"It opens up your mind to all different kinds of music," added his classmate, junior Matt Covall of Wheaton.

In the afternoon, drumlines performed in the school's gym, including Green Thunder, the feeder ensemble for The Cavaliers, sponsored by the Village of Rosemont, and Lincoln Way Central's drumline.

The Choral Invitational got under way on Friday night, with middle school choirs. They came from Des Plaines, Homer Glen, Villa Park, St. Charles and Elk Grove, with the concert choir from Hanes Middle School in St. Charles earning a near perfect score to win the title of grand champion.

Among high school choirs, they represented Grayslake North, Hinsdale Central, and Elk Grove high schools, and performed before nationally recognized judges. On Saturday afternoon, Hinsdale Central's Mixed Ensemble won best soprano section, and grand champion title.

"We're determined to keep both events on the same day," said Renee DeJager, choral director, of the percussion and choral event. "It's a day filled with celebrating music."