What is Blue2 Percussion?
Founded in 2014, Blue2 Percussion is an extracurricular percussion ensemble program. The program strives to provide challenges and build well-rounded musicians. Students have the opportunity to perform in a number of different ensembles giving them an opportunity to experience a wide variety of percussion instruments and diverse styles. While drumline is one of the offerings of the program, it is NOT a marching ensemble. The program is designed to develop students to be successful in all aspects of the MASD band program, whether it be concert, jazz, or marching band. The program is open to all MASD percussion students enrolled in grades 7-12, and serves as a music honors program for 5th & 6th grade students nominated by their elementary band teachers.
Slide Presentation
Please view this slides presentation to get an overview of our program, how it will help develop your student, and how to sign up. The final slide contains links to all of the most important information.
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View Blue2 Slides Presentation
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Questions? Contact Rick Schadt at
blue2percussion@gmail.com
Program Goals
The Blue2 Percussion program strives to create independent musicians who can be leaders within our concert, jazz, and marching programs. We work to prepare students for whatever musical challenges they choose to pursue. A member of Blue2 Percussion should feel confident in their ability to not only perform at the highest level in their school ensembles, but will also be prepared for co-curricular activities such as Marching Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Solo & Ensemble. Through a variety of performances, we also work to better reach and support more members of our Mukwonago area community.
Additionally, we focus on building a sense of community and friendship between our various grades of percussionists. Unlike in the curricular bands, students in Blue2 Percussion will have the opportunity to interact and perform with students in other grade levels, allowing us to build a culture of excellence that bridges between each of our PVMS and MHS bands.
Why Chamber Music?
Chamber ensembles are incredibly diverse. Certain pieces will dictate which specific instruments are needed while others allow for "open" instrumentation where any combination of instruments can be used. This gives us the ability to tailor our musical selections specifically to what will best serve out students' development. Performing in small groups also helps each student build more musical independence as each part is often covered by only a single player. The small group model also allows instructional staff t give more attention to each individual student.
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Blue2 Percussion prides itself on its ability to provide students with opportunities to learn and perform in a variety of settings including concert percussion ensembles, steel drum bands & other global percussion styles, jazz ensembles (through a combined effort with Blue2 Winds), marching percussion/drumline, and more.
Participation Requirements
Participation requirements are listed below. If you have more questions on whether your student can participate, please contact Rick Schadt at blue2percussion@gmail.com.
Blue2 Percussion Participation Requirements:
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Enrolled in the Mukwonago Area School District​
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Currently in grades 7-12 -OR- currently in grades 5-6 and nominated by their elementary band teacher.
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Meets at least one of the following three criteria:
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Currently signed up for a year-round curricular band class as a percussionist
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Qualifying classes include: Elementary 5th or 6th Grade Band, PVMS 7th or 8th Grade Band, MHS Concert Percussion, MHS Symphonic Band, or MHS Wind Ensemble.
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PVMS/MHS Jazz Ensemble or Marching Band do NOT qualify.
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Participated this past fall in the MHS Marching Band in the percussion section due to student's primary instrument not being used in the ensemble
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examples include oboe, bassoon, any string instrument or voice, piano, etc.
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Instructor's Consent (contact Rick Schadt at blue2percussion@gmail.com)
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intended for students who have not yet had the opportunity to meet one of the above options or are facing a set of extraordinary circumstances.
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will be considered on a case-by-case basis
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an example of a student likely to be approved would be a current 7th grade oboe player who wants to join the marching band next year​
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however, students who have had the opportunity to meet one of the above criteria but choose not to are unlikely to be approved.
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example: a percussion student who dropped their curricular band class part way through high school.​
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Additionally, all MHS students participating will be held to the MHS Athletic/Activity Code of Conduct, including the random drug test policy. (This does not apply to PVMS/Elemtary school students).
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Rehearsal Structure
Blue2 Percussion rehearses 2-3 Saturdays per month. 5th/6th grade students rehearsal from 8:00am-Noon, and 7th-12th grade students from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Performances occur on a variety of days and times. For our complete rehearsal & performance schedule (including a one-click "add to my google calendar" option), please visit our Schedule/Calendar page.
Membership Dues
For a breakdown of membership dues, please visit our registration page. (see below)