St. Joseph HS’s Percussion Ensemble To Perform at Statewide Showcase

As students and faculty walk down the halls of St. Joseph High School, they are all too familiar with the rhythmic pulse and strong beats of the Percussion Ensemble emanating from the auditorium. Percussion Ensemble is made up of nine students who rock the school during the day, after-school, and soon to come – at the Connecticut Percussive Arts Society Day of Percussion.

Unlike most schools that host percussion ensembles solely as an after-school program, St. Joseph High School stands apart by offering the course as a full-year, academic class. They are one of a handful of high schools in the state of Connecticut to do so.

Now entering their fourth year, Percussion Ensemble has already developed into a program worthy of statewide recognition, a testament to the dedication of its students and the vision of the school’s Music Director, Brian Miller.

“Most percussionists are only given the option to perform in their school’s instrumental band,” remarked Mr. Miller. “And while that may be enjoyable, they are limited in their creativity. By providing our students with an actual Percussion Ensemble course, they are able to develop skills they would never be able to improve in a band. They truly grow as musicians.”

In January 2025, our students were invited to join in the Day of Percussion by the CT Percussive Arts Society – an incredible honor – and they will have the chance to perform among Connecticut’s most accomplished percussionists. The Day of Percussion is not only a performance showcase, but a learning experience, offering workshops and masterclasses led by professional musicians.

“I am so excited to perform with all of these incredible musicians,” remarked Christopher Formato, senior at St. Joseph High School. Christopher is also the only member of the band who began his freshman year and has honed his skills for the past four years. “When we first started, we had no idea it could lead us to being able to perform among college and professional percussionists. I can’t wait!”

The event will be held on Sunday, March 23rd, 2025 at Naugatuck High School from 9:00am-5:00pm. A complete schedule of performers can be found on the event’s Instagram or Facebook account (@ctpas).

St. Joseph High School students’ performances at the Day of Percussion will not only showcase their talent but also underscore the school’s commitment to musical excellence within the academic curriculum. As the only high school group on stage, SJ students will stand out among the performers. Further enhancing this dedication, Brian Miller will be offering UCONN’s Music Theory and Ear Training as a dual enrollment course at St. Joseph High School beginning in 2025, allowing students to earn six college credits through the University of Connecticut while advancing their musical education.

To learn more about St. Joseph High School, the Fine Arts Program, or the Course Curriculum, visit sjcadets.org.