Thirty-one talented musicians from Lassiter High School are preparing for the performance of a lifetime after earning an invitation to the prestigious Midwest Clinic in Chicago on December 18.
Recognized as one of the world’s premier instrumental music education conferences, the Midwest Clinic selects just five percussion ensembles annually from an international pool of applicants. For Lassiter, the invitation represents an extraordinary achievement and another milestone in the school’s celebrated musical legacy.
What makes this accomplishment even more remarkable is how it began.
Percussion Director Kyle Parciany decided to apply just two weeks before the submission deadline. With one recording already available, students had only 14 days to learn, rehearse and record a challenging 12-minute composition.
Despite the odds, they embraced the challenge, ultimately submitting a recording made on Parciany’s iPhone in
Lassiter’s orchestra room. When the acceptance arrived in April, Parciany waited until students returned from spring break to share the exciting news.
“They were ecstatic,” he recalled. “I absolutely love that they worked extra hard and then got rewarded for their hard work.”
Now, the ensemble is preparing an ambitious 45-minute program featuring eight compositions, including newly written and rarely performed works. Students rehearse at least six hours weekly after school, in addition to daily percussion classes and individual practice.
Among the highlights is Norrskens Dans, an exhilarating composition featuring three musicians performing approximately 640 notes per minute during a demanding three-minute passage.
For Director of Bands James E. Thompson Jr., the invitation reflects Lassiter’s longstanding commitment to excellence.
“This invitation speaks to the extraordinary skill, commitment, and artistry of our students,” Thompson said.
The achievement continues a musical tradition spanning more than four decades, building upon the foundation established by former directors Alfred Watkins and Mike Lynch.
Before departing for Chicago, the community can experience the ensemble’s remarkable talent at two concerts:
November 30 with Kennesaw State University and December 3 at Lassiter, featuring the complete Midwest program. Beyond the performance, Parciany, a Chicago native, looks forward to sharing his hometown with students, including visits to iconic attractions and a celebratory deep-dish pizza dinner.
Most importantly, he hopes the experience inspires a lifelong love of music.
“When the students take the stage in December, I will be nothing but proud,” Parciany said.
With the support of dedicated families, educators and the East Cobb community, these young musicians will proudly represent Lassiter, Cobb County and Georgia on an international stage—proving that extraordinary accomplishments begin with hard work, determination and the courage to try.
