The Marcus High School Percussion Ensemble is making final preparations for their performance at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago.

"We are honored to be performing at Midwest this year," said Kennan Wylie, Percussion Instructor at Marcus High School. "The students are working every day to prepare for the concert."

The ensemble will present its program for hundreds of music educators from across the country and around the world. "This concert is special! I cannot think of a more enriching or educational performance opportunity for our students," said Amanda Drinkwater, Director of Bands at Marcus High School. "These young adults will have the opportunity to serve as musical ambassadors for the school, the community, and even the state."

In addition to their performance, the students will have the opportunity to experience some of the sights and sounds of Chicago. "The itinerary includes the Art Institute of Chicago, Blue Man Group, and of course a few slices of Chicago deep-dish pizza," said Patrick Connor, President of Director’s Choice Tour & Travel.

The Percussion Ensemble will present a concert at Marcus High School on December 10th at 2:00PM in the Marcus H.S. auditorium. Special guest artist will include She e Wu, professor of percussion at Rutgers University. Admission is free and everyone is welcome. The performance at the Midwest Clinic is scheduled for December 22nd at 10:30AM in the Merle Reskin Theatre in Chicago.

The Marcus percussion program has received national acclaim both on and off the field, including nine national championship titles at the P.A.S.I.C. Marching Competition and winners of the 1999 and 2003 P.A.S. "Call for Tapes". Kennan Wylie has served as the Percussion Instructor since 1990 and Amanda Drinkwater has been the Director of Bands since 2005.

Director’s Choice Tour & Travel provides customized travel services for performance groups by combining experience, technology, training, and a commitment to customer satisfaction.