This year marks an exciting milestone for the Greater Amsterdam School District with the debut season of Amsterdam Indoor Percussion! This dedicated group of AHS students has embraced the challenge of launching our high school’s first-ever indoor drumline, combining challenging music with precise execution.
What is an Indoor Drumline?
Indoor drumline is a competitive activity that combines elements of traditional marching percussion with concert-style performance, while also often including elements of dance and movement. Unlike marching band, which performs in parades and on the field with full wind, percussion, and dance sections, indoor drumline takes place inside a school gym, focusing solely on the percussion section during the marching off-season over the winter. Ensembles perform intricate, high-energy musical programs with a strong emphasis on rhythm, timing, and expressive playing. To aid in the musical storytelling, electronic sounds such as bass guitar, synthesizer, and movie-style sound effects enhance the sonic landscape to create a unique musical experience. Adjudicator feedback at every show gives students and staff ideas on how to enhance their performances, encouraging continued growth throughout the season as the show comes together in a finalized form to be shared at NYSPC Championships.
Our 2025 Show: "Castaway"
Amsterdam Indoor Percussion’s inaugural show, “Castaway,” takes audiences on an unforgettable journey into open waters. The production tells the story of a ship’s crew setting sail, facing treacherous storms and crashing waves, and ultimately battling to survive a shipwreck. The show features rhythmically challenging concepts and offers multiple opportunities for student solos, including a snare solo early in the show played by Liam Patterson.
Amsterdam Indoor Percussion Leadership, from left to right: Lukas Diaz, Willie Deleon, Liam Patterson, Troy Fitchette (advisor), Brody Apholz, and Jordan Brinkerhoff
Meet the Ensemble
Seventeen students make up this year’s drumline, performing on a variety of percussion instruments, including snare drum, tenors, bass drums, cymbals, marimba, vibraphone, xylophone, and concert percussion. Leading the charge in their respective sections are our student leaders: Brody Apholz (Front Ensemble), Jordan Brinkerhoff (Tenors), Willie Deleon (Cymbals), Lukas Diaz (Bass Drum), and Liam Patterson (Snare).
The group is directed by Troy Fitchette, who teaches sixth grade band at Lynch Literacy Academy and serves as the percussion advisor for the Marching Rams. He is supported by student drum tech Samuel Valberg and alumni instructor Kai Brennan, who have been instrumental in guiding the ensemble through its first season.
Amsterdam Indoor Percussion’s debut performance at the Firebird Fantasy in Phoenix, N.Y.
Competing Across New York
Amsterdam Indoor Percussion is competing in four shows this season:
Saturday, Feb. 8 – Emerson J Dillon MS (Phoenix, N.Y.)
We took third place, with just 0.4 points away from 2nd!
Saturday, Feb. 22 – Albany HS (Albany, N.Y.)
Saturday, March 15 – East Syracuse Minoa HS (East Syracuse, N.Y.)
Sunday, March 30 – NYSPC Championships at Gates Chili HS (Rochester, N.Y.)
Despite being a brand-new ensemble, the students made an impressive competitive debut, proving that hard work and passion can go a long way. This season, Amsterdam Indoor Percussion is competing in the PSA-SS Stand Still Division, meaning the students perform their show without choreography. This allows them to focus on musical precision and performance quality while establishing the foundations for growth in future seasons.
Front ensemble warming up before competition at Emerson J. Dillon Middle School.
Join the Journey – Support Amsterdam Indoor Percussion!
We invite parents, students, and community members to support the ensemble by attending competitions, volunteering, or contributing to fundraising efforts. Your support helps cover the costs of equipment, travel, and show production, ensuring this program can continue to grow and thrive. From the very start, we have owed a huge debt of gratitude to our GASD administration, school board, financial department, music department, and community for their unwavering support in launching this program. Their dedication has made this season possible, and with continued support, we look forward to building a lasting tradition of indoor percussion excellence at Amsterdam High School.
Let’s cheer on Amsterdam Indoor Percussion as they make history in their first ever season!