Percussion Director: Russell Ratterree
The emphasis of the percussion area at all Wylie schools is to create great student-musicians and give all students a well-rounded education of percussion. This includes all the keyboard percussion instruments (two and four mallet technique), concert and rudimental snare drum, timpani, drumset, different types of world music, and a broad knowledge of all the accessory percussion instruments.
Drumline Director: Russell Ratterree
The drum-line is the most visible aspect of our percussion program and is an integral part of …That Wylie Band as well as the varsity competition band. The drum-line consists of students from Wylie High School and Wylie East High School that make the battery and front ensemble. The battery or field percussion is made of snares, quads, basses and cymbals while the front ensemble includes marimbas, vibraphones and synthesizer as well as a variety of concert percussion instruments. In addition to providing the heartbeat for the marching band, the drum-line performs annually at area drum-line contests such as the Plano, HEB and Lone Star Classic Drum-line Contests. As always, the drum-line supports our school and community with performances at sporting events, pep rallies, parades and other community events.
“That Wylie Drum Line” – 2012 North Texas Percussion Festival – 2nd Place for “Sharpened Stick” – Outstanding Soloist – Jordan Ferguson in “Gate to Heaven”
“That Wylie Drum Line” – 2011 Lone Star Classic – Prelims 1st place Drum Line – Won “Best Snares” caption – Finals 2nd Place
Jordan Ferguson – 1st Place Keyboard Solo
Tyler Nechamkin – 3rd Place Snare solo
“That Wylie Drum Line” – Plano Drum Line Contest – 3rd Place in AA Standstill and Best Tenor Line
“That Wylie Drum Line” – Jordan Ferguson wins 1st place in Keyboard Contest with “Caritas”
“That Wylie Drum Line” – Plano East Marching Invitational – 1st Place Percussion
Awards and Recognitions 2010-2011
“That Wylie Drum Line” – 1st Place Percussion 4A Plano East Festival
“That Wylie Drum Line” – 6th Place Advanced Division HEB Drum Line Contest
“That Wylie Drum Line” – 2nd Place out of 24 in the Standstill Division II Silver Lone Star Classic
“Percussion Ensemble” – 1st Place Percussion Ensemble at North Texas Percussion Festival, Forney TX
“Percussion Ensemble” – 1st Place Jr. High Percussion Ensemble at North Texas Percussion Festival
“Percussion Ensemble” – Winner of Black Swamp Percussion Contest with “I-Ching” entry
