LHS’ Percussion Ensemble rocks square

LANCASTER – With its opening notes, the Lancaster High School Percussion Ensemble transformed downtown Lancaster into not only the “musical mecca of the Midwest,” but the “percussion capital of the world.”

The usual huge crowd gathered for this Lancaster Festival favorite, even filling the bandstand with shade seekers.

From Genesis’ “Land of Confusion,” the 21 diverse teens turned south for the Latin samba “Sesos de Huesos.”

David Dietz, Callen Imhoff and Noah Radditz performed “Frivolity,” “Steppin’ Round” and “Spanish Waltz,” respectively. Xylophone solos, an ensemble tradition, wowed the crowd every time.

Then the ensemble swung into Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s “King of Swing” followed by Doug Mayes and Noah Radditz rallying the mallets in “Children of Sanchez.”

Reminiscent of the Big Band era, Adam Jones on drum set had heads nodding and feet tapping to “Sing, Sing, Sing.”

The layers of Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “First Snow” again showcased the ensemble’s signature quad-mallet style.

All eyes were on David Dietz during his improvised drum set solo featured in “Trippin’ Billies.”

Ensemble members went a few rounds and an attempt at a final bell with variations from “Rocky.” A standing ovation from the audience kept them in place for an encore.

With “Uptown Funk” the ensemble appeared to be having as much fun as the audience, feeling the music, clapping and carried by the tempo.

Director Bruce Gerken formed the ensemble in 1978 to enable students to become more proficient on a variety of instruments beyond drums, including keyboard, chimes, marimba, synthesizer and vibraphone.

He balances the music, selecting classical for its educational component and contemporary music, from Bach and Tchaikovsky, to jazz, ragtime and classic rock. The ensemble’s annual May concert features the range of music, but the downtown venue “is certainly not the scope of the program,” he said.

Seniors Lillie Chapin, Samantha Colby, Nadia Damron, Adam Jones, Doug Mayes and Kaylib Young-Argyle were feeling a bit nostalgic after their final performance. They said they enjoyed working together and, with a great leader, conquering challenging and intense music and learning life’s lessons.

Chapin said she will miss the structure and connecting with others who have the same interests, as will Colby.

Colby added: “I’ve loved this experience, performing with people who have the same passion.”