Perris High School Band

Band Biography

------------------------------------------------------------

The Perris High School Marching Panthers is a group of musicians made up from the students of Perris High School to represent their school site, student body, school district, and community at music venues in Southern California. The marching unit has been seen in events on campus such as Football, and Basketball games, Pep Rallies, Talent Shows, as well as local community events such as the Perris African American History Month Parade in 2009 and the Veterans Day Parade in 2009 and 2010. This Group consists of 30 musicians and Colorgaurd Members and will continue to grow in years to come. Students in this group must have at least one year of experience playing a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument or schedule an audition with the director. The Group rehearses both during and after school. The Marching Panthers are under the direction of Mr. Donald Cerchia, band director at Perris High and Percussion instructor Ms. Cindy Abts.

Band Director

Donald Cerchia has been studying music for over 22 years. He is a clarinetist that has resided in the Inland Empire his entire life and has been involved in public school music programs. As graduate of Ramona High in Riverside, CA, Mr. Cerchia attended Riverside Community College with an emphasis in Music Performance. He recieved his Bachelors degree in Music Education and Teaching Credential at California State University Fullerton and has played in numerous ensembles including the R.C.C. Wind Symphony, the C.S.U. Fullerton Wind Symphony, Rancho Belago Wind Symphony, The Idyllwild Summer Arts Concert Band, and many freelance gigs throughout the region. Playing in these groups has allowed Mr. Cerchia the opportunity to perform at venues such as the Orange County Performing Arts Center, the California Band Directors Association convention in Fresno, and the opening of Meng Concert Hall at C.S.U. Fullerton. Music has allowed him to perform all over the world to destinations such as Hawaii, Japan, and South Korea.