— Battery & Front Ensemble · Year-Round
Percussion Section.
The rhythmic foundation of every Bobcat Band performance. From snare lines on the marching field to marimba and vibraphone in the concert hall, the percussion section plays year-round across every ensemble.
— About Percussion
The Engine of Every Show.
The Bobcat Band percussion program encompasses two distinct sections: the marching battery and the front ensemble (pit). Together, they provide the rhythmic, harmonic, and timbral foundation for every performance — from the opening downbeat of the marching show to the final chord of the spring concert.
The battery consists of snare drums, tenors (quints), bass drums, and cymbals. They march on the field during halftime performances and competition shows, executing complex rhythmic exercises and lock-step choreography that must stay perfectly synchronized regardless of weather, noise, or movement.
The front ensemble (pit) plays at the front sideline during marching performances and takes center stage during concert season. Instruments include marimba, vibraphone, xylophone, timpani, synthesizers, and auxiliary percussion. Many front ensemble players are also among the band’s strongest concert musicians.
— Year-Round Calendar
Percussion All Year.
● July – November
Marching Season
Battery and front ensemble both participate in the full marching season — band camp, weekly games, and all four competitions. The battery marches on the field; the front ensemble sets up on the front sideline. Both sections begin percussion-specific rehearsals the first week of summer camp.
● December – May
Concert Season
During the concert season, percussion students perform on the full complement of concert instruments — marimba, vibraphone, xylophone, timpani, and concert snare. Percussionists are expected to be proficient on multiple instruments and to perform as full ensemble members alongside the winds.
Join the Percussion Section.
Percussion auditions are held in the spring. Students should have at least one year of private lesson experience. All percussionists must be enrolled in a KCHS band class.