Students perform 'trash band' made from recycled materials at board meeting

A student ensemble that uses recycled materials for percussion performed for the board, demonstrating a layered program of metals, plastics and a glass section that featured an improvised solo by Athena. Mr. Krauss introduced the group and explained the project’s origins in a world‑music drumming course and remote learning adaptations during the pandemic.

Mr. Krauss said students selected sounds by sampling items from recycling bins and that the ensemble rehearsed three days before the board performance. “If you walk away saying, ‘Boy, that music was trash,’ Boy, you nailed it. That’s what we’re going for,” he said, drawing laughter. After the performance, trustees asked students how often they meet; students said the group meets after school and had been a smaller remnant of a larger program.

The presentation highlighted student creativity and reuse of materials, and trustees thanked students and parents for participating.