The Tyler Legacy High School Percussion Ensemble has earned international recognition after their performance of an original composition was officially published by one of the world’s leading percussion music retailers. The piece, now titled Rush Hour Samba, was released last week by Tapspace Publications, and features a video performance by Tyler Legacy students on the publisher’s website.
Originally premiered at the school’s annual Night of Percussion concert in Spring 2023, the piece was written by composer Eric Rath and performed under the working title Legacy Groove! Impressed by the ensemble’s interpretation and energy, Rath reached out to Tyler Legacy Assistant Band Director and Percussion Director Darriel Montgomery to request a formal recording for publication consideration.
“Eric Rath is a well-known composer of band and percussion literature, and an incredible music educator in his own right,” Montgomery said. “We are fortunate and grateful that he felt confident in our ability to perform his piece and submit it for publication. The fact that Tapspace not only published Rush Hour Samba but posted our video as the performance standard is icing on the cake! It feels wonderful to see the talent and hard work of our students being recognized on an international scale.”
The performance video can be viewed alongside the published piece here:
🔗 Rush Hour Samba – Tapspace Publications
Tyler ISD celebrates this unique accomplishment as another example of the district’s commitment to providing high-level arts opportunities for students.
For more information, contact Jennifer Hines at Jennifer.Hines@TylerISD.org.