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 5-12.
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 other 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 Elementary, PVMS, & MHS bands.
Rehearsal Structure
Blue2 Percussion rehearses 2-3 Saturdays per month. 5th/6th grade students rehearse from 8:00am-Noon, and 7th-12th grade students from 9:00am to 5:00pm. For our complete rehearsal & performance schedule (including a one-click "add to my google calendar" option), please visit our Schedule/Calendar page.
Performances
Blue2 Percussion students perform on two concerts: a dedicated Blue2 Percussion concert in addition to "Drumming for a Difference," the MASD All-District percussion ensemble concert that raises funds and awareness for worthy causes. Additionally, all students will also perform at least one piece for the Local and District Level Solo & Ensemble Festivals, with qualifying ensembles also performing at the State Level Festival.
Musical Excellence
Blue2 Percussion students have a long track record of receiving recognition for their musical excellence, including:
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Ensembles (& Soloists) receiving 'Exemplary Performer' awards, the highest recognition awarded at the WSMA State Level Solo & Ensemble Festival. This recognition is only awarded to a handful of performers each year, and Blue2 has received this recognition on a near-annual basis.
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Auditioning for and getting accepted into the WSMA State Honors Band program.
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As members of the MHS Marching Band - becoming WSMA State Percussion Champions in 2015, 2022, 2023, & 2024 (as well as runners-up in 2016 & 2025) in addition to winning numerous Best Percussion awards at regional competitions each year.
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Premiering (giving the first-ever performances) of new compositions for Percussion Ensemble.
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Alumni going on to successfully audition for collegiate music programs/marching bands as well as competitive DCI and WGI ensembles.
Why Chamber Music?
"Chamber Music" refers to ensembles smaller than your average band (think 3-15 performers) that typically perform without a conductor. 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 our students' development. Performing in small groups also helps each student build more musical independence and improve musical communication as each part is often covered by only a single player. The small group model also allows instructional staff to 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 5-12
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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 alone 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/Elementary school students).
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Membership Dues
For a breakdown of membership dues, please visit our registration page. (see below)