"Every year we train them. We have a few that are percussionists but most are horn players that are trained to do this and that's what they love about it because it's new and competition is nothing more than a great adventure for them."

The Westhill High School Winter Percussion band will host its 3rd Annual Indoor Percussion competition Saturday at 2 p.m.

The competition will take place at Westhill high school gymnasium, bringing together other percussion groups from not only Connecticut, but also New Jersey and Massachusetts. 

"I'm looking forward to just performing for just my family, friends here in Stamford," said drumline captain Nelson Desmond. 

Program Director Diane Zinicola says Winter Percussion gives students who normally don't play a percussion instrument the opportunity to do so.  

"We have a lot of students that are multitalented musicians. Let's say you play a trumpet, this is an opportunity for you to play a percussion instrument, which is anything you strike from piano to guitar."

"I played flute and I just wanted to see what it was like to play another instrument," said Francine Baliao. 

Zinicola says the group has been practicing three days a week since November. 

"monday, wednesday, and saturday. Saturday are usually 12 hour rehearsals and on Monday and Wednesdays we have three hour rehearsals and then we practice individually at home. 

Students new to the world of percussion tell us they were able to catch on quick.

"You have an instructor who teaches you all of the basics, and teaches you all the tricks and then you're kind of half a pro by the end of that."

Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.