SLPS students form award-winning percussion ensemble
By Tiffany Ellis
For the St. Louis American
“It was like something I have never seen before,” said Angela Myers of the Show-Me Sound Drumline performance at the 2005 Final Four outside concert. Show-Me Sound also led the parade that kicked off the Final Four weekend celebration.
For 12 years, the Show-Me Sound Drumline has entertained crowds with their unique movement and exciting performances.
The ensemble is comprised of high school students from various St. Louis Public Schools, with the average member age of 15. Discipline and a strong work ethic, along with unbelievable talent, have made Show-Me Sound one of the most accomplished high-school drumlines in the country.
Executive Director Terry Artis calls them the “Harlem Globetrotters of drumline.”
What sets Show-Me Sound apart, Artis said, is their use of non-traditional and orchestral instruments, such as the timpani, and their thrilling visual effect.
It all started in 1993 when Artis, an accomplished musician in his own right, decided to start a drumline. With his background as an arranger and instructor for many St. Louis County marching percussion programs (including Normandy, Riverview Gardens, Parkway and Hazelwood East), it seemed only natural that he gather members for his drumline from county high schools.
For the past two years, however, because of the troubles in the St. Louis Public School system, Artis has shifted his focus primarily to inner-city youth in an attempt to “close the musical achievement gap.”
“This is a very demanding program,” Artis said. “We prefer that our students have a strong sense of discipline.”
Show-Me Sound is the only African-American drumline that participates in Winter Guard International, a non-profit organization dedicated to the education and competition of winter guards and indoor percussion ensembles in 10 countries. Show-Me Sound is Missouri’s first independent ensemble to compete at the WGI’s percussion category, winning first place at the WGI Midwest Regional in February. They were also the only African-American drumline out of 160 percussion ensembles to compete at this year’s WGI National Finals in Dayton, Ohio.
Since its creation, the drumline has doubled in size. Funding by the Regional Arts Commission has allowed them to expand. They are now looking to fill 50 slots, and every one of those members will receive free private lessons. Former instructors include Darryl Bassett, Eric Forman and Willie Atkins. This year, three Show-Me Sound alumni will also give lessons.
“The kids are great,” Artis said. “One-hundred percent of our youth go on to higher education, many on full music scholarships. Many alumni are band directors or work in the field.”
On August 2, Show-Me Sound is holding a benefit concert entitled “Afro-Percussion International” at the Sheldon Concert Hall. Other upcoming Show-Me Sound dates are July 19 in Higher Things Circus Harmony at Harris-Stowe State College, June 21 at Sheldon Concert Hall and June 24 at US Bank Jazz Festival in Shaw Park.
For more information about these events or to audition, please call (314) 692-0521.
