Young percussionists performing in an ensemble

NOVA 8 Percussion · A program of NOVA Performing Arts

More time
to grow.

NOVA Performing Arts is building NOVA 8 Percussion, a noncompetitive marching percussion development program that gives young musicians more opportunities to train, perform, and grow throughout the year, especially beyond their school marching season.

Our purpose

Talent is everywhere. Access to sustained, high-quality marching arts education is not.

About NOVA

The need

The season ends.
The ambition does not.

Many young percussionists want to keep improving after marching season, but cost, distance, and competitive selection can put continued training out of reach.

See the access challenge
Young musicians gathered together during rehearsal
A student rehearsing on a keyboard percussion instrument

NOVA 8 Percussion · The flagship program

Serious development without the competitive finish line.

NOVA 8 Percussion will offer structured instruction, ensemble experience, and individual growth for more of the year, with an emphasis on the months beyond the school marching season. Students can work with purpose without competing for a ranking.

Named for the final count before an ensemble begins, NOVA 8 prepares young musicians for what comes next.

  • Technique and musicianship
  • Battery and front ensemble development
  • Mentorship and collaborative rehearsal
  • A culture centered on growth, safety, and artistry
Meet NOVA 8 Percussion

What access creates

Development that carries beyond rehearsal.

Musicianship

Build technique, listening, timing, and ensemble awareness.

Confidence

Develop through focused work, meaningful feedback, and visible progress.

Belonging

Find a community of students who care about the same craft.

Continuity

Keep learning and growing beyond the school marching season.

An educator conducting a musical ensemble

A need heard across Central Texas

93%

of band directors surveyed by NOVA supported student participation in a local independent percussion opportunity.

28 total responses. NOVA 8 Percussion responds to that demonstrated need with an accessible, noncompetitive model focused on continued education.

A percussion ensemble arranged in a rehearsal space

A new hands-on NOVA experience

Percussion Playground

Don’t just watch the ensemble. Step inside it, try the instruments, learn a musical part, and discover how the whole sound comes together.

Dates and location are being planned.

Explore Percussion Playground

Build what comes next

The instruments are ready. Now we bring the program to life.

NOVA is gathering support for instructors, salaries, rehearsal space, student access, and the operations needed to launch NOVA 8 Percussion.