The Fort Mill Percussion Ensemble is made up of 22 very dedicated students who are averaging 14 to 20 hours of practice a week in preparation for the upcoming competitive season. These young adults are focused on achievement and commitment in order to be a part of this competitive program directed by Mr. Bill Register. He has taught them successfully what dedication means and what it takes to strive for success and excellence. The Fort Mill Percussion Program, in its short seven year history, is a seven time national finalist and a two time holder of the Winter Guard International (WGI) Scholastic Concert World Championship and has brought great recognition to the Fort Mill High School Band Program.

This year the percussion ensemble started their season participating in the SCMEA and Southern Division MENC, Bi-Annual In-Service Conference on February 10th in Charleston, SC. They also participated in a clinic - Improving Student Performance through Ensemble Performance - with Wando High School.

Vic Firth Inc. and the Yamaha Corporation helped sponsor this event for the percussion ensemble. It is through Mr. Register’s working relationship with Vic Firth Inc., which began back in 1991, that has brought this opportunity of excellence of music education to the Fort Mill Percussion program that continues to enhance each student’s ability to develop to their highest potential. During this event, the percussion ensemble was given the honor of accompanying Mr. Gifford Howarth, a Vic Firth and Yamaha artist, in the performance of “Leyenda”. The group also performed “Paganini Variations.”

Mr. Howarth, a Vic Firth Artist, received his Bachelors of Music degree form Ithaca College and his Masters in Percussion Performance from Kent State University. His percussion studies include working with Gordon Stout, Ted Rounds, and Bill Molenhof.

He is currently an Adjunct Professor/Artist in Residence at Penn State University in State College, PA along with being on the percussion faculty at Nazareth College in Rochester, NY. Mr. Howarth is a very active recitalist, clinician, and master class teacher focusing on mallet percussion. He is a National Yamaha Performing Artist, a clinician for the Zildjian Cymbal Company and a member of the Vic Firth Education Team.

The Fort Mill Percussion Program is very pleased and honored to have such a distinguished artist available to assist our students. And, thanks to support from the Blue & Gold Band Club fundraising activities throughout the year as well as your band fees, we are able to bring distinguished professionals like Mr. Howarth and others to help with all aspects of the band - marching band, symphony & concert bands, percussion ensemble and guard.

Please visit the calendar for the latest list of events for the percussion ensemble.