The South Australian Schools Percussion Ensemble (SASPE) offers performance access to a comprehensive range of percussion instruments not available in most schools. This ensemble consists of up to 12 players.

This ensemble is suitable for students undertaking Music Performance – Ensemble as a SACE Stage 2 subject.

Placements are prioritised to students enrolled in a secondary school classroom music subject and/or participating in school or extra-curricular ensembles as required by the school.

Students that don't meet this criteria will be considered if positions maintaining balance within the SASPE are subsequently available.

Eligibility

Students learning a percussion instrument for more than 2 years in SA Department for Education schools, years 7 to 12 in 2024, are eligible to apply.

Students don't need to have skills on both tuned and un-tuned percussion to join this ensemble.

How to join

New and continuing students should complete the central schools ensembles registration form.

More information will be provided before the end of term 4 after the online form is submitted.

Required skills

Before joining, students should be able to demonstrate either:

• un-tuned percussion: basic rudiments including flams, paradiddles, double and single stroke rolls
• tuned percussion: two-octave scales (ascending and descending) in the key of C, F and G majors.

Expectations of members

Members are expected to:

• participate in all programmed performances and events
• engage positively with the entire team
• attend rehearsals and learn music for performances
• be actively studying percussion as an instrument at school
• cover the costs of membership, including providing suitable performance clothing.

Attending rehearsals

Rehearsals are held on Fridays from 4.30pm to 6pm at the Instrumental Music Office (28 Hay Street, Klemzig).

Rehearsals start week 4, term 1.

Students are expected to:

• attend rehearsals in school uniform
• learn the music before rehearsals
• ask their instrumental music teacher for help, if needed
• notify the conductor if they can't attend a rehearsal.

Performance uniforms

For performances, members must wear:

• the SASPE performance top (approximately $30)
• quality, respectful black clothes
• black shoes and socks.

Costs

A SASPE performance top will be required (approximately $30).

Other expenses will be incurred based on planned activities throughout the year. An outline of planned activities will be provided in Term 1.