Percussion has always been a strong-point at Smithfield-Selma. The
percussion section of the Spartan Regiment has consistently won their caption at
marching band competitions, and has been named Percussion of the Day on numerous
occasions. The success of the group has not been limited to the marching
band field, however.
In 2007, we formed our first ever indoor percussion ensemble and competed locally at AIA shows. In their first competition, the group scored an unbelievable 94 to win the novice class and was promoted to the A class. In the A class, competing against groups who had been around for years, the percussion won all of the local contests they entered. In March, the group performed their "Haunting" show at AIA Championships and took home the bronze medal. It was an incredible first year.
The following year, the indoor percussion group performed their show called "Motown Metal" at local AIA shows as well as AIA Championships. They finished in the top three at all of their local shows, and were promoted to the Open class, one of the highest level categories in the circuit. They finished in 6th place at AIA Championships in the Open class. The indoor percussion also competed for the first time at a WGI Regional held in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The group finished 5th in prelims at the regional, qualifying them for finals, where they finished in 7th, a very respectable placement for a group only in its second year.
Because of budget concerns, Smithfield-Selma has not had a competing indoor percussion group for the past two years. However, they have started a new stage show, called Percussion Theater, which they perform for the community in May. For the past four years, the percussion group has entertained the school and the community with several different types of percussion, from battery to mallet groups to STOMP oriented acts. There are usually three performances, and this event has become one of the most recognized band events by the community.