Orchestral percussion students have the full gamut of percussion instruments to learn. Mallet percussion, timpani and snare drum are the main focus for orchestral percussion students. A full set of percussion instruments is available for tuition and practicing, and a wealth of repertoire, built up over the last three decades ensures that all aspects of percussion playing can be covered. In addition there are hire instruments available for students to practice at home. The percussion ensembles deal with group playing and developing listening skills, but also provide students with the opportunity to learn techniques for the many other percussion instruments they may play in wind bands or other ensemble settings.The Drum Kit Exposé 2014
The theme for 2014 was ‘Inspirations and Influences’. We referenced some iconic drummers through performing a famous piece that they either recorded or played in a live setting. There were performances paying tribute to drummers like Jeff Porcaro, John Bonham, Steve Gadd and Phil Collins, to name a few. Performers for this event were Shannon Devy, Heinrich Goosen, Darren Petersen, Sheldon Yoko and David West. Yamaha Music South Africa provided valuable support in the form on additional drum kits and a PA system. They also very generously supplied the main prize of a full 5 piece Yamaha Gigmaker drum kit. Paul Bothner Music provided some additional support and prizes in association with Zildjian SA, and SoundOut! supplied lighting and did the sound engineering at the performance.
In 2013, as with the 2012 edition, the theme was largely still reading based, this time focusing on ways reading skills can benefit students learning to play drum kit. This year we also included performances with back tracks, including advanced charts like Hair Off by Marco Minnemann. 
The performers for this Exposé were Simon White-Philips, Mike Horne, Darren Petersen, Jarryd West, David West and Sheldon Yoko. Simon was in his matric year for this concert, and the only school pupil to perform. Once again, Paul Bothner Music provided support in the form of additional equipment and prizes.
2012 was the second installment of the Drum Kit Exposé, highlighting reading elements in drum kit. The title of this event was ‘Past & Present'. The programme consisted of solos, duets and quartets, all completely scored. Some of the highlights were the drum kit duets In The Pocket and In and Out of the Pocket by J Beck, scored for bass drum, snare drum and splash cymbal. 
The performers had great fun preparing these slightly comical items. Students still studying at Beau Soleil at the time performed alongside past students. The students performing this year were John Milligan, Jarryd West, Joshua Wheatley and Simon White-Philips. Past students were Austen Fredericks, Reuben Crowie Mike Horne, Devin Jones, Darren Petersen and Julian Schübel. Many of these drummers have gone on to pursue successful careers as professional performers. Paul Bothner Music provided some assistance in equipment and prizes.
This annual event is a performance based workshop that features elements related to the drum kit. It takes place in the third term each year, straight after the end of term percussion concert.
