The sounds of drums filled the Cranston High School East gym on Sunday, March 6, as 15 schools competed in the New England Scholastic Band Association (NESBA) Winter Percussion and Winter Guard Show.

The Cranston East Indoor Percussion Ensemble evolved out of the traditional concert percussion ensemble in 2008.

“We had that concert percussion group since 2001 under my direction, and we started competing regularly in NESBA in 2010,” said Greg Arsenault, director of percussion. “The kids got the bug to perform as a marching percussion unit and we began doing that in 2010. Having the indoor percussion ensemble continues the excellent training for the students through the winter on percussion instruments and various marching techniques.”

The other schools that were represented for percussion programs were South Hadley High School, Bishop Feehan, Joseph Case, Bishop Hendricken, Somerset-Berkley Regional, and Dartmouth Indoor Winter Percussion.

This year’s performance by Cranston East was “La Fiesta Espanola,” featuring Latin music by the jazz-fusion artist Chick Corea. The show depicted the intrigue, emotion, celebrations, and intensity of Spanish music and culture.

The East ensemble is the Winter Guard International (WGI) New England Regional Scholastic Concert A Champion for 2016. They recently competed at Trumbull High School in Connecticut on Feb. 27.

“We have another NESBA competition on Saturday, March 19, at Mansfield High School, and then NESBA New England Percussion Championships on Saturday, April 2, at Dartmouth High School,” Arsenault said.

Arsenault was quick to show his appreciation and gratitude to those who work hard for the kids.

“Thank you to all the band parents and student volunteers who helped make Sunday’s competition a success. A special thank you goes to Connie Ribera, the event chairperson, for her dedication to helping the students in our program. Thank you also to Sara Larrabee for emceeing the event and for doing publicity,” he said.

Cranston East senior Crosby Ribera appreciates all that percussion has done for him.

“In fifth Grade at Hennessey Elementary School in East Providence, I tried out for winds and was told I wasn’t good enough to play. When I began Park View Middle School in seventh grade, I tried out for percussion because a friend of mine was doing it. I ended up enjoying it, so I stuck with it going into high school at Cranston East. My four years involved with Cranston East’s music program has taught me all about responsibility, dedication, and working hard to achieve excellence.”

Cole Araby, Kennan Dunleavy, Josh Nelson, Taylor Rainho, Kevin Solitro, and Patrick Wynn round out the other seniors who performed at their last home percussion competition.

Connie Ribera, chairperson for the event, offered her appreciation to those who provided support.

“I co-chaired this event last year, which was the first Winter Percussion Invitational East had ever hosted. Knowing the show had tripled in size was exciting, but it was uncharted territory. I may have been the official chair of this event this year, but I certainly did not do any of this by myself,” Ribera said. “The list of people to thank is long. I am convinced based on this experience that we have the absolute best parents – current and alumni – any group could ever ask for. When I put out a call for help or needed donations, they were there. Shelley Fusco and Laurie Bussman, current guard parents, became my right and left hand when organizing this event. Additionally, Karen Grover and Pat and Jerry Peshka were invaluable. We had 15 music program students who volunteered their time as well as 30 alumni and current parents assisting with anything we asked of them. There are no words to express just how thankful I am to everybody for the love and support they showed.”

She also thanked vendors Frito Lay, Starbucks, and Calise Bakery, which all gave donations to sell at the show.