HPHS Drummer Beating the Competition
Congratulations to Highland Park High School drum-line captain Matthew West, whose performance of a tenor drum solo earned first place at the recent Percussive Arts Society International Convention in San Antonio.
After winning the competition, West was invited to perform his solo in front of hundreds of percussion professionals during the awards presentation and at the champions showcase on the final day of the four-day conference.
West took first place for the same solo at two local drum-line competitions this fall. In addition to his duties with the Highlander Band, West is a drummer for the HPHS Jazz Band, and he won first chair in the all-region jazz band competition for the second straight year. Last summer, he toured with the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps.
“Matthew West is a superstar. It is a testament to his work ethic, intelligence, and determination that he has received so many well-deserved accolades,” said James LaBrecque, Highlander Band director of percussion. “His accomplishments are not only individual; Matthew has helped the entire Highlander Band program reach new levels of excellence during his four years.”
