Bethel High School Alumni Perform and Present at International Percussion Conference

Former Bethel High School band members performed and taught at the Percussive Arts Society International Conference (PASIC) in November in Indianapolis, Indiana. 

Jerry Lancaster, Bethel High School band director, said, “I am so proud of these alumni and staff for all their hard work.” 

The now Norfolk State University (NSU) students performed and their instructors gave a clinic on their drum line concepts and techniques as members of the Million Dollar Funk Squad Drum Line. 

“Many of these students started in middle school band programs in Hampton, learned advanced percussion techniques in the Bethel concert band, participated in the Bethel marching band, and were in the HCS Steel Drum Ensemble. They are well-rounded musicians and great alumni of our school system,” said Kelly Dee, visual and performing arts curriculum leader.

A video can be viewed here.

Pictured above:

Devon Young, Bethel Class of '23, current NSU drum line, snare

Steven Smalts, former Bethel percussion instructor, NSU drum line alumni, current NSU drum line assistant instructor

Isaiah Cole, Bethel Class of '23, current NSU drum line, snare

Da'Rel Brooks, Bethel Class of '23, current NSU drum line, tenors

Cayden Cooper, Bethel Class of '23, current NSU drum line, snare

BJ Gray, Bethel Class of '23, current NSU drum line, snare

Theo Dennis, current Bethel drum line captain, senior

Omari Carter, Bethel Class of '23, current NSU drum line, bass drum

Cameron Cole, Bethel Class of '18, NSU drum line alumni, current Bethel percussion instructor

Legacy Goode, Bethel Class of '18, NSU drum line alumni

Not pictured:  Shawn Hall, Bethel Class of '04, former Bethel percussion instructor, current NSU drum line instructor

Shawn Hall and Steven Smalts taught the clinic.