The Northwood High School percussion ensemble went to state recently and placed second in the state. In the front row from the left are Naomi Lopez, Logan Yoder, Jenna Brown, Elizabeth Scott and Katelynn Borkholder. In back row: Maxwell Hamilton, Allana Headley, Evan Giddings, Willow Short, Jeremy Bontrager, Tennyson Scott and Director Mattelyn Yoder. Photo provided by Mattelyn Yoder.
By Phoebe Muthart
InkFreeNews
NAPPANEE — The Northwood High School percussion ensemble went to state recently and placed second in state.
NorthWood scored second place to Muncie, a much larger school. It was a big accomplishment, to say the least.
The finals were out of 15 schools and the preliminary was out of 20 schools.
They earned the high honor at the Indiana Percussion Association State Finals Saturday, March 29, in Terre Haute.
Mattelyn Yoder, who is only 22, is the director for the ensemble. This is her second year leading the students on this creative journey. Yoder is a 2021 NorthWood graduate. Yoder is also the winter percussion director for Northwood.
After high school, she took a job at Warsaw Community High School.
“I worked there for two years,” she said.
While there, she learned to diversify and, “they taught me so much and how to lead rehearsals and teach.”
She added, “it was a lot of trial and error. It took a lot of critical thinking.”
Brian Spicklemire wrote the music. Maxwell Hamilton also assisted as a staff member.
Called “Winter Triptych,” NorthWood’s performance was the same melodic phrase used for all three movements. Yoder said.
The students in the ensemble included: Allana Headley, Jenna Brown, Willow Short, Naomi Lopez, Katelynn Borkholder, Elizabeth Scott, Tennyson Scott, Logan Yoder, Evan Giddings, and Jeremy Bontrager.
There were no seniors, just underclassmen and three middle school students, said Yoder.
They practiced two to three times a week after school and on Saturdays and only started practicing in January after winter break.
“I think the kids just developed a great attitude,” Yoder said. “I loved hearing them play. It’s a blessing.”
Last year, the group placed 10th in state. Due to hard work, Yoder said, they were determined to place better.
“It comes back to adjusting and no excuses and they overcame that,” Yoder said. “It was hard earned. At state, you only get one shot.”
She said the percussionists got back on track in the beginning and they just were more mature. She said even though it rained during their performance, they never complained.
They waited four hours for others to play and judging to take place before hearing the good news — they had placed second.
“Seeing them mature and play so well was beautiful,” Yoder stated.
Yoder will be attending Ball State in Muncie to study nursing. This is her last year leading the percussion group. But she leaves with a great legacy.
“We had overcome so much,” said Yoder. “It was so good to finally achieve this.”
The NorthWood High School percussion ensemble went to state recently and placed second. They are shown receiving their medals. Photo provided by Mattelyn Yoder.