ACHS winter percussion takes home second place
American Canyon High School’s winter percussion ensemble took center stage at their home competition on Saturday, March 7, earning a strong second place finish in the Percussion Scholastic Open division with a score of 76.2.
“There’s a real sense of teamwork. Everyone’s been pushing each other in practice,” senior Caelin Gawiran observed. “Even when we are tired, we show up for each other.”
That camaraderie was on display both during the performance and after scores were announced, as members celebrated their placement with each other.
The event, hosted on campus, showcased a variety of ensembles from around the region. For many performers, the home competition setting added an extra layer of meaning and energy that contributed to the group’s success.
Winter percussion is a focused branch of the marching arts that focuses on rhythm, technique and visual performance in an indoor setting. Ensembles combine battery (marching drums and cymbals) and front ensemble (melodic percussion instruments) to present short and tightly arranged shows that highlight musicality, precision and choreography.
Unlike the marching band season, winter percussion concentrates on percussion skills and allows groups to explore more complex musical arrangements and visual design suited to a gymnasium or arena stages.
Junior Lana Keimach, who plays the marimba in the front ensemble, described the weekend as exhausting but worthwhile, noting that the players in practice had been especially challenged.
“Our hands are kind of tired right now, but honestly, I don’t think we did too poorly.”
Keimach emphasized the importance of community support at home competitions. “Since it’s so local, your family and friends can come. We have extra supporters because it’s our home, the community comes and helps.”
Despite fatigue from intensive rehearsals, students said the experience helped strengthen bonds within the ensemble.
Junior Rylan Aberin, who plays the cymbals in the battery section, highlighted the scale of the event and the opportunity to represent the school.
“It’s fun,” said Aberin. “You get to see a bunch of schools perform. It’s kind of crazy how far they go just to come here; there was even a school from Los Angeles that came all the way up here. You get to perform in front of a lot of people and represent the school you’re in. That’s really big.”
“It’s been very smooth today,” said Brendan Day, the band director. “I have a wonderful team of volunteers, and our booster club has been organizing and helping to make things run smoothly.”
Day said hosting the competition at American Canyon was special because it brought families, visiting groups and the larger community onto their campus. “It’s really cool having other groups come to our site since we normally have to travel,” Day added.
More commentary from students and those who came to watch, highlighted the community atmosphere that defined the day. Several performers said the home crowd’s energy boosted their confidence during the performance, and visiting groups praised American Canyon’s hospitality and organization. The ensemble’s choreography and musical precision were noted by spectators as standout elements.
The 76.2 score and second place finish reflects months of focused rehearsal, precise musicianship and the support of family, volunteers and the school community. As American Canyon High School’s winter percussion ensemble looks ahead to the remainder of the season, the ensemble plans to refine transitions, tighten ensemble balance and build endurance for their next competitions.
For parents and community members who want to stay involved, the music department encourages attending future performances, volunteering at events and supporting the booster club’s efforts. The ensemble’s dedication onstage and behind the scenes suggests strong potential for further success this season.
