The Salem Blue Devils percussion ensemble is comprised of students at the high school level. The ensemble is composed of melodic and membrane percussion instruments some of which include: snare drum, bass drums, tenor drums, cymbals, marimba, xylophone, synthesier, chimes. The percussion ensemble combines music performace and visual programming to create a theatrical/musical performance. 

Each show begins as a musical concept which grows in the mind of the designer/arranger until it evolves into a completed thought. The musical selections will create the mood and guides the feelings and responses of the audience while observing the program. The music provides highs and lows that shape the impact response and provides opportunity to develop ideas. It serves as a basis to showcase the musical and visual skills of the performers.

The staff and administration of the Salem Blue Devils are committed to providing an enriching performance experience to all members while exposing them to the rich cultural value that musical and visual design can provide.

Ensemble History

In 2009, The Blue Devils traveled to Trumbull, CT for the W.G.I. percussion regional and then Dayton, OH for the Winter Guard International  Championships.  The ensemble competed in the Independent A Class in the New England Scholastic Band Association (NESBA) along-side other units, such as Boston University and Spirit of America.

The show was entitled "Musical Chairs." The performers marched and wove their way through harrowing visual movements to the muscial stylings of Pat Metheny. The first production was "Minuano." The production took both the performer and the spectator on a dynamic journey through the opening moments of the show and is highlighted by a little taste of Pat Metheny's "First Circle."  The second movement was based on Metheny's "Letter from Home." Enhanced by the visual performance of the battery and dancer, the second movement brings you to a restful place of comfort before everyone catches their "3rd Wind." The final movement was a piece filled with battery features and featurettes.  "3rd Wind" will sit you back in your seat and make you ask for more.

In 2008, The Blue Devils found themselves challenged, as many units do from time to time, and almost had to take the year off.  However, a number of resilient alumni, staff, and students pulled together to keep the program alive.  Not only did they end up competing in the NESBA circuit, where they won 1st place in Blackstone, MA; They also traveled to Stratford, CT for the WGI percussion regional in March.

The 2007 season was an exciting one for the Blue Devils. This highly talented ensemble worked hard to move back into the Scholastic Open category of competition and re-established themselves as a force to be reckoned with! The ensemble competed in the NESBA circuit and traveled to the Stratford WGI Regional as well as the WGI World Championships in Dayton, Ohio in April of 2007. Exhibition performances were also on the schedule and the ensemble performed in the Maine Circuit where budding new groups are on the horizon.

The 2006 seasons started out as a "re-building" year for the ensemble - but it was soon clear that this ensemble was not only re-built - they were ready to uphold the Salem Blue Devil tradition of excellence and quality. Although a young ensemble, the 2006 Blue Devils came on strong and captured the "Independent Marching A" championship after an undefeated season in the NESBA circuit. In March of 2006, the ensemble traveled to Coatsville, PA where they were crowned as W.G.I regional champions in the Independent Marching A class. The ensemble traveled to Dayton, OH in April of 2006 where they pulled off a fantastic performance. Unfortunately, the ensemble did not make finals - but this ensemble knew that they had done their jobs! A very proud staff and group of parents were thrilled with the prelims performance and share their pride with all of the 2006 members.

In 2005, the Blue Devils competed in the Scholastic Marching Open category in both the New England Scholastic Band Association (NESBA) and Winter Guard International (W.G.I.) arenas. The Blue Devils captured the NESBA 2005 Scholastic Marching Open Class Championship after an undefeated season in that circuit. The ensemble traveled to Dayton. OH in April 2005 where they were semi-finalists in the Scholastic Open Class.

In 2004, The Blue Devils moved to the Scholastic Open category of competition and were the runner-up at the New England Scholastic Band Association (NESBA) championships. The ensemble traveled to San Diego, CA in April of 2004 to the W.G.I. World Championships where they competed in the Scholastic Open Class and were semi-finalists.

In 2003, the ensemble's second year of National competition, the Blue Devils competed in the Scholastic A category, captured the New England Scholastic Band Association (NESBA) Championship The Blue Devils were the 2003 Scholastic A Silver Medalists at the W.G.I. World Championships.

2002 served as an introduction and building year for the group.