St. John Bosco's Percussion Ensemble, compromised of the Drum Line and Front Ensemble, performs throughout the academic year at football games with the St. John Bosco Marching Band and has been featured in various off-campus events, conferences and exhibitions. Dedicated to exposing students to repertoire written for percussion instruments, the ensemble aims to:
- Enhance students' understanding of standard and less common percussion instruments
- Provide a creative outlet for composition and improvisation
- Act as a vehicle for musical and cultural exploration
The Drum Line or Battery is the marching unit of the Percussion Ensemble and is made up of snare, tenor and bass drums, as well as a cymbal section. This popular section proves to be one of the most physically demanding and enjoyable sections in the entire band.
The Front Ensemble or Pit is the stationary unit within the Percussion Ensemble and features keyboard instruments such as Marimba, Xylophone, Vibes, Bells, Chimes, Timpani, and Auxiliary Percussion which include Concert Bass Drums, Gong, Drum Set, and Synthesizer (Piano). The unique part about this section is there is no marching!
Competition
St. John Bosco's Winter Guard and Percussion Ensemble competes in a circuits with the American Drumline Association (ADLA) and Southern California Percussion Alliance (SCPA).