Percussion theater takes stage Feb. 22

Three costumed students play drums

The Albany Indoor Percussion Ensemble – 27 middle- and high-school musicians simultaneously playing a variety of instruments and performing theater – will host their first home show on Feb. 22 at Stephen and Harriet Myers Middle School.

Doors will open at 12:30 p.m. and the event begins at 1 p.m. in the gym. Admission is $5 per person.

The ensemble is made up of percussionists from Myers, Albany High School and William S. Hackett Middle School. Students play a multitude of percussion instruments including pitched bass, snare, tenor and timpani drums, along with cymbals, marimbas, xylophones, vibraphones and electric piano. 

Also performing at the home show will be more than 100 young people from five other percussion performance groups: Avant Garde Alumni Drumline, Capital District Youth Pipe Band, The College of Saint Rose Percussion Ensemble, Mohonasen Percussion Theater and Newburgh Enlarged City School District Empire Drumline.

And talk about coordination … while students in the various groups play their instruments, they also act in a dramatic piece. The Albany Indoor Percussion Ensemble’s show is called “Bones,” and it is the story of what happens to a group of kids exploring a cemetery at night.  

Check out this amazing display of artistry, percussion and music! Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase.

For more information, email albanyindoorpercussionensemble@gmail.com.