2015 was the first year that Leigh competed in the World Class level of WGI. Having lost many ensemble members to graduation, it was truly a rebuilding year. With a large group of freshmen, the goal was to train up a new batch of percussionists to continue growing our program.

“No Strings on Me” was a play on the puppetry of Pinocchio. Movement one brought percussionists to life with their strings. Throughout the course of the movement two, they developed their personalities and broke free from the controls of the puppet master. The finale ended with controlled chaos as the puppets became truly independent, expressing their individuality in surprising and entertaining ways.

Our dedicated ensemble shattered all expectations for the season. Due to the hard work and diligence of both students and staff, Leigh shone at NCPA finals. Our students ended up in second place with a score of 88.65, only .3 behind long time competitor Homestead High School. Even more exciting for this young group was that that they took home the highest score for general effect. The future was bright for this group of rising stars.

Donations to PAPA’s Winter Percussion Fund support the Winter Percussion program at Leigh High School.