Name: Srishti Shetty

Grade: 11

Instrument: Percussion

Years of Experience: 5 years

Wingspan: When and why did you choose percussion?

Shetty: “I chose to try out for percussion my 6th grade year, and it was a selective process where our former director only chose 10 of us out of the many that tried out. I tried out because of its uniqueness to other instruments, and its ability to completely transform a musical composition.”

Wingspan: What is your favorite memory in band?

Shetty: “My favorite memory in marching band is definitely the hour long bus rides to competitions and games. For football games we would just chill on the bus with music and do face paint, and for competitions we would talk the entire ride. I definitely remember our conversations being interesting, but that’s what made us grow closer.”

Wingspan: What goes into preparing for performances and concerts?

Shetty: “For marching band competitions especially, hours starting as early as mid-July are used for rehearsal. Percussion specifically starts a week earlier because our instrument is so unique so we get that extra practice. Many times after school you can also see us rehearsing, and that just goes to show the dedication needed for Percussion. Additionally in the spring we have an obligation to learn full band music as well as percussion ensemble pieces which are performed at our annual percussion ensemble concert. This calls for extra rehearsal hours, so the grind never stops even when marching band season is over.”

Wingspan: What challenges have you faced being in band?

Shetty: “The biggest challenge is definitely lack of time. When marching band gets really difficult it’s hard to balance being a musician and a student. However, the best thing to do is just keep in constant contact with your directors and teachers and they will usually be willing to help you out.”

Wingspan: Would you consider playing percussion in the future? Why or why not

Shetty: “Although I love playing percussion, I don’t see myself playing it past high school. At the most I may join a concert band or small group in college but definitely no marching band, as college requires a whole new level of dedication. Additionally, the field for musicians isn’t very extensive and the pay isn’t very great, but I never want to stop playing and hopefully in the future I won’t forget everything!”