The Marching Band Percussion Ensemble performs as a part of the Freedom High School Marching Band. All Marching Band Percussion students must be enrolled in a Concert Band or the Percussion Ensemble class.

Marching Percussion is divided into two components based on the emphasized technique of the players.

1. Battery Percussion or Drumline
The Battery Percussion marches on the field in the marching band show and provides rhythmic accompaniment to the marching band show. The Battery Percussion focuses on the general performance fundamentals as well as the rudimental drumming aspect of percussion technique.

2. Front Ensemble or Pit
The Front Ensemble performs on the sideline as a stationary unit providing harmonic, textural, and melodic support to the marching band sound. The Front Ensemble also provides show concept support via special effects and sound colors to the marching band show. The Front Ensemble focuses on general performance fundamentals as well as concert and orchestral techniques of keyboard and concert instrument.

THE GREAT MARCHING PERCUSSION MYTH:
It is absolutely untrue and a complete misunderstanding of Marching Band Percussion to say the Battery Percussion is "higher" or "more talented" or "more advanced" or “more prestigious” than the Front Ensemble.

Both sections are a vital part of the total Marching Percussion Ensemble. Both sections perform demanding music with higher-order musical responsibilities. The total percussion curriculum demands that students learn and are capable of performing with all aspects of the Marching Percussion Ensemble.


The entire Marching Band Percussion Ensemble is required to be at all Marching Band Rehearsals, Performances, as well as Marching Band Percussion Sectionals.

Marching Band Rehearsals - Tuesday/Thursday
Marching Band Percussion Sectionals - Wednesdays
Marching Band Performances - All Varsity Football Games, FBA Marching MPA (November 8), Marching Band Show (late October).

OCPS Extra-Curricular Participation Requirements
Even though Marching Band is an activity required of course curriculum, OCPS policies dictate that students follow OCPS Policies regarding Extra-Curricular Participation and Grade Point Average:
1. Students must currently have at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA
2. Students will be removed if the GPA falls below 2.0
Students who have a GPA below 2.0 or whose GPA falls below 2.0 will be assigned an alternative assignment that mirrors time commitment to Marching Percussion Ensemble.