Percussion
Arcadia Percussion has three performing ensembles: World Line, Open Line, and A line. Approximately 90 to 100 students participate each year. Each ensemble takes part in three main activities: outdoor marching percussion, concert performances with the orchestras and concert bands, and indoor marching percussion competitions in the spring. The ensembles are directed by Kevin Sherrill and instructed by Tony Nunez, Kevin Shah, Jesus Alcantar, Jeff Doolittle, Phil Idell, James Yoshizawa, James Catherall and Kyle Harry.
Each group has two components which are the battery and the pit. The battery is made up of snares, tenors (also called quads), and basses. The pit, or front ensemble, can have xylophones, marimbas, vibes, timpani, drum kit, and synthesizers, as well as an array of auxiliary percussion instruments.
All three percussion ensembles marched in the 2017 Rose Parade as part of the Apache Marching Band.
"A" Line – Intermediate Percussion: For fall season, A Line marches in the Arcadia Festival of Bands parade and performs at the percussion competition. A Line competes during spring indoor percussion season at SCPA (Southern California Percussion Alliance) and WGI (World Guard International) events. They also travel to one competition outside the Southern California area. The students' work ethic and dedication have resulted in great success through the years at indoor competitions earning awards and medals.
In 2018-2019, A Line, with their show titled "The River," placed 4th at the SCPA Finals in Ontario and 2nd place at WGI Phoenix Percussion Finals.
Open Line – Intermediate Percussion: For fall season, Open Line battery performs with the World Line battery in band reviews, field show tournaments, at home football games and at Arcadia Festival of Bands, and Open Line pit marches in the Arcadia Festival of Bands parade and performs at the percussion competition.
Open Line ensemble competes during spring indoor percussion season at SCPA (Southern California Percussion Alliance) and WGI (World Guard International) events including WGI World Championships in Dayton, Ohio. The students' work ethic and dedication have resulted in great success through the years at indoor competitions earning awards and medals.
In 2018-2019, Open Line, with their show titled "Line of Sight," placed 6th place at the SCPA Finals in Ontario and placed 10th at WGI World Championships in Dayton, Ohio.
World Line – Advanced Percussion: The World Line is the Apache Marching Band percussion section. They perform throughout the fall in band reviews, field show tournaments, at home football games and at Arcadia Festival of Bands.
During the spring this group performs at the highest scholastic level in both SCPA and WGI competitions. The student and instructor commitment produces great success in competition in California, and they are consistent SCPA regional finalists and medalists. World Line has been a finalist at WGI National Championships every year since they started competing at the national level in the 2001-2002 season.
In 2010-11, the World Line was the National Champion, earning the gold medal at the WGI National Championships in Dayton, Ohio, with their show entitled "Rise." They were also the regional SCPA champions and WGI gold medalists.
In 2019, the World Line won the silver medal at the WGI National Championships in Dayton, Ohio, with their show titled "One of Us." They also won the silver medal at the regional SCPA championships held in Ontario.
2021-22 Season: There is a parent meeting specifically for percussion parents in the fall - usually October or November. The date will be announced in the fall. The competition calendar will be posted at arcadiamusic.org. We are looking forward to a wonderful year!
Websites for indoor percussion competition information
Southern California Percussion Alliance (SCPA): www.sc-pa.org
Winter Guard International (WGI): www.wgi.org