• The McKinney Boyd High School Percussion Ensemble performs during a 2019 percussion concert. (Photo: Danny Berry)

McKinney, TX — The McKinney Boyd High School Percussion Ensemble won first place in the high school segment of the Percussive Arts Society’s International Percussion Ensemble Competition.

As winners, the Boyd percussionists have been invited to perform at the prestigious Percussive Arts Society’s International Convention (PASIC), to be held this fall on November 10–13 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

“Being selected as the winner of the 2021 PASIC International Percussion Ensemble Competition is one of the highest honors that a high school percussion ensemble can receive,” said Dr. Dan White, McKinney ISD director of fine arts. “This speaks directly to the high quality of the percussion program at McKinney Boyd High School.”

A member of the McKinney Boyd High School Percussion Ensemble performs during a 2019 percussion concert. (Photo: Danny Berry)

Boyd Percussion Director Scott Gustafson said that, to enter the contest, schools from around the world submit live, unedited recordings up to 30 minutes in length, each of which is evaluated by a panel of five judges.

Gustafson added that in contrast to years past when three groups from each category were typically selected, this year, only one high school ensemble and one college/university ensemble were chosen as winners.

“Understanding that,” Gustafson said, “the students worked tirelessly on their music this past semester, and it’s incredible to see their hard work pay off.”

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