WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“Spirit has been like a family to me. They have given me a second home. They taught me a lot about what family means, and also a lot about setting goals and taking steps towards making my goals my dreams. That’s how I end up in a place like this, doing what I love!”
—Nicco, Age 20, Spirit Member

“In any interaction I’ve had with the Spirit organization, what strikes me most is the generosity of the people of all ages. This speaks to the values of the group and what is being shared, what is being taught, and this comes through in the approach of the ensembles. The quality of the individual is of the highest level, and this is reflected in their programs and teaching values.

Over the years, I have witnessed the continual growth and development of the Spirit organization to the point that it is recognized as being of the very best caliber in the country—that is impressive! Excellence should be nurtured!”
Thom Hannum,UMass Amherst Associate Marching Band Director, Carolina Crown Percussion Director, DCI and World Drum Corps Hall of Fame

“I’ve loved being a part of a group that is constantly striving for excellence and puts so much work into everything they do. Spirit has given me a better work ethic and made me pay more attention to how I practice and rehearse.”
Mikayla, Age 21, Spirit Member

 

“Winter Percussion is so much more than learning how to drum; it’s learning about life!”
Rachel, Age 19, Spirit Member
“Spirit Winter Percussion has been one of the most creative and innovative groups we have seen on the East Coast. It is a joy to see the students perform each year and the crowd reaction is second to none.”
Tony DiCarlo, Drum Corps International

“I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to participate and perform with Spirit Winter Percussion this year. It has been a musical outlet unlike any other where I can challenge myself and push my limits.”
Karsten, Age 19, Spirit Member

“Working with the individuals from Spirit Winter Percussion has been an absolute pleasure – they are professional, talented, and kind and are going to make a big impact on our society.”
—Maria Finkelmeier, Percussionist, Composer, Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music 

“I have had the pleasure to judge Spirit Winter Percussion at the World Championships in Dayton, Ohio. I have also had the pleasure of performing a clinic with them and seeing first-hand how well this organization has developed. The energy this group brings every year is amazing. You can tell that they are totally committed to every performance. What I like most about them is the age range. Most groups in their class are all College age performers. Spirit lets the younger performers play alongside the college age performers. The experience these young performers have playing/performing alongside older performers is life changing. Keep doing what you do for the youth of today, and help mold our future.”
—Scott Johnson, Blue Devils Percussion Caption Head

 

“You have set the bar high, and brought more excitement and the joy of music to those around you than you can ever imagine.”
John Jamison, Director of Dennis-Yarmouth Winter Percussion, Dennis, MA

“Spirit Winter Percussion is exceptional in their consistent and unwavering strive for excellence. In spending time with the group working on their show, I saw the ‘behind the scenes’ workings. They are a respectful, focused and determined group of students. They function in a community of teaching and student musicians that are driven to perfection, yet understanding of process. The students have a unique understanding of mature musicianship and the purpose for playing music—They love what they do and want to share it with their audience; this is the core of all music making and Spirit Winter Percussion gets this in it entirety.”
—Keith Aleo,Director of Percussion, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Education and Orchestral Consultant, Zildjian/Vic Firth Company

“Spirit Winter Percussion has provided our son with the chance to pursue his dreams of marching with a world-class percussion group. Spirit’s reputation for excellence is widely known. Everything they do, from music, to theatrics, to props, is done at the completely highest level possible. They are a model program and an incredible asset to our community.”
AnnMarie Sanfilippo, Membership Parent
 

“Spirit teaches you to stay positive when things get tough, embrace life with full-hearted abandonment, and BE GENEROUS!!!…on and off the floor.”
Kirsti, Age 20, Spirit Member

“Spirit Winter Percussion is an ensemble I have great respect and admiration for. While the quality of the productions and education are indeed first rate, it’s the quality of the people that makes this program so special. Top flight people who make the experience a very special place to be!”
—Neil Larrivee, Vice President of Drum Stick & Mallet Innovation, Vic Firth & Zildjian
“I do music because it teaches me things like discipline, the art of music, and teamwork. I love the way this group operates with the utmost willpower and excellency.”
Gabriel, Age 13, Spirit Member

“To me, being a member of Spirit means getting to work with some of the greatest teachers and instructors in the marching arts. It means being part of an incredible community and becoming a better performer alongside a hard-working group of individuals.”
—Cameron, Age 17, Spirit Member

“Being a member of Spirit Winter Percussion means being part of something greater than yourself. All of us put countless hours of work in and we grow as not only performers but also people. It means being a part of a family that is there for each other through the easiest and hardest of times.”
Brian, Age 20, Spirit Member

“I feel so passionate about WP! With that comes all the feelings of love for it as well as the occasional moments of hate, but still going fully after it! Carpe Diem!!”
Lindsey, Age 21, Spirit Member

“I love being in WP because I have fun working towards perfecting a show, and challenge myself physically and mentally to do better each time.”
James, Age 17, Spirit Member

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Spirit Winter Percussion | PO Box 2831 | Orleans, MA, USA | 508-255-4044