As Riptide season starts the group prepares for competition by practicing the sets, and music for the show. Riptide consists of indoor percussion visual performance that plays written sheet music and is a boys and girls combination activity.

“I have been playing the tenor drum for about half a year, and I have been in riptide for about 3-4 years.” Junior Marcus Washinton said.

Most riptide students have been a part of this activity for a while. The process for them learning the choreography, the sets, and the music for competitions is crucial. Many are excited for WGI which is an American performing arts association,

“We are practicing very diligently and hard, putting in the hard work, so we can get the best results.” senior Jamieson Hendrix said.

“I’m looking forward to going to Dayton Ohio and playing in WGI.” said sophomore Caleb Boudlin

Riptide members have been together for many years. The group calls themselves a big family, and would say it’s like a brotherhood. 

“The thing I love most is the beats and the energy that’s in Riptide, it’s a good vibe, and it’s something that I didn’t think I would enjoy doing but I enjoy it.” Krislyn Williams said.

“The chemistry that we all have it’s like a big family, that’s what I love most about Riptide.” Bouldin said.

 Indoor percussion marries elements of music performance, marching, and theater; thus, the activity is often referred to as percussion theater.” WGi said

Battery instruments consist of tenors drums, base drums, cymbals, and snare drums. These are instruments that would give the beat or like the base of the sound something you could march to. In the Riptide the battery section has their instruments attached to them with something called a carrier which allows them to move and play at the same time.

Xylophones, vibraphones, marimbas, timpani, bells, chimes, gongs, cymbals, bass drums, and electronic instruments are part of the front ensemble. Usually they get their tempo from the battery and create the music that would go along with the show.

 Pit instruments are stationary which means their instruments do move so they players won’t either, there is usually some kind of choreography they can do playing their instruments while being stationary.

Also there are visual performers, and what you think that might be is exactly what it is. These people are optional and are not a need to have a successful show, but the performers also can make the show a little more interesting.

“I am excited for this riptide season to be able to bring something to this show that our school normally doesn’t have. I think that adding visual performers this year may actually help us place higher at some competitions.” Sophomore Amya Pegues said.

“I am looking forward to a new experience, a great time with my friends and a successful season to finish off my senior year. I will be acting and giving visual performances of what the musicians are playing.” Senior Rosalinda Figueroa said.