In 2014, Monarch Independent Percussion was a brand new independent marching A group competing in TCGC, the local circuit that encompasses Houston, San Antonio, and Austin. At their first competition, the group was bumped up to Independent Marching Open. In 2015, Monarch made the trek to Dayton, Ohio for their first WGI World Championships. In 2018, Monarch was a second-year Finalist in Independent World and exited Finals with a score of 90.85.
Before discussing the core of Monarch, a little background information. The independent scene in Texas is a bit of enigma: it’s plentiful, but lacks consistency. Talent, interest, and groups are easy enough to find, but independent groups struggle to find their niche among university percussion studio requirements, struggle to build the infrastructure they need, and struggle to secure rehearsal space. Monarch is an exception. Throughout the past five years, Monarch has remained steady in turbulent seas, with no sign of sinking any time soon. How? The answer is simple. Purpose.
Keeping this mentality of “growing the local student” in the forefront of everything they do, Monarch’s visual staff doesn’t design a show with placement in mind. Monarch designs a show that will give their members a great experience, push them to perform at a higher level, and connect with each other as performers as well as audience members. These moments aren’t solely derived from performances; they’re derived from rehearsals and from interactions with the staff and design team. This is truly the gift that keeps giving because these members, once they age out, are equipped with the tools to give their students that same invaluable experience. That’s how percussion groups grow. That’s how local circuits grow. And that’s how Monarch Independent Percussion grows students in Texas.
About the Author: Caroline Meister is a sophomore studying Telecommunications, Spanish, and Creative Writing at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Prior to college, Caroline graduated from Zeeland East High School in Zeeland, Michigan. In high school, Caroline was heavily involved with the marching band, wind ensemble, and pit orchestra where she played flute, an instrument she’s been playing for almost ten years. Currently, Caroline is in the Pride of Mid-America Marching Band where she marches piccolo.