Students ranging from elementary to high school performed during the Platte County R-3 School District’s annual “drum! Platte County Percussion Showcase.”
Held Friday, May 5 inside the Wilson Center for Performing Arts at Platte County High School, this year’s show featured music from many different genres, opening with the Canadian rock band Rush’s YYZ before also including themes from television shows such as Firefly and video games like Tetris and Super Mario Brothers.
About 500 people packed into the auditorium for one of many performances the district’s highly decorated band holds throughout the year.
“It’s a pretty big event and a huge fundraiser for us each year,” Platte County director of percussion Jon Bailey said.
Students ranging from sixth grade all the way to seniors in high school made up the talented group of 74 percussionists.
The proceeds from selling tickets and some merchandise at the show all go back to the percussion program to help pay for equipment for the students such as drum sticks, mallets, drum heads or other necessities. The event is meant to be fun for the audience, and the performers have become known for their high level of energy.
Platte County students also handled the lighting effects and sound mixing for the show.
“We do a lot more crowd pleasing pieces almost like a rock concert instead of just a normal band concert,” Bailey said. “There’s lots of entertaining stuff. We do some fun videos, lighting effects and a lot of stuff to keep the audience entertained all the way through.”
‘An Evening of Jazz’ — the annual fundraiser for the high school’s jazz band — will transform the north gym of the high school into a jazz club this week. The event will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, May 12.
Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Those interested can contact Dr. Matt Bonsignore at (816) 858-2822 ext. 1270 for advance tickets.