Whether it is on the stage in the Arts Center or Honickman Auditorium performing for parents and friends or in the Roberts Family Library playing for GA students, if percussion instruments are involved, you are likely to find Dominic Perazza ’25. A musician since childhood, Perazza has not just limited his performances to the confines of Germantown Academy. He has been lauded at multiple Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) Festivals. 

Most recently, Perazza performed at PMEA All-State Wind Ensemble, making first chair out of nine percussionists. Perazza also performs for GA’s Honors Symphonic Band.

“The All-State performance was a really cool experience,” Perazza said. “Last year, I made first chair for District Band and Orchestra, but not Regionals, and I didn’t make All-States last year, but this year I plowed right through. I think the concert went well and the playing was amazing.”

Perazza said that to get into PMEA All-States, he first had to compete against hundreds of students vying for District Band and then Regional Band accolades. For All-States, Perazza said the audition process more stressful, but he still had fun with it.

“They give you the music and you get some time to prepare for it,” Perazza said. “Then it's a blind audition. They'll face the wall so they can't see you; they're just hearing what you're playing, and they judge based off that. It was somewhat stressful when I got to Regionals, and I was auditioning for All-States, but for the most part, I think it was cool.”

Perazza added that he really liked the conductor that the group got to work with, saying that she brought a lot of energy and was able to connect with the musicians. The junior also said that the conductor made a lot of sports analogies, which helped him, a self-proclaimed “sports guy,” adapt to her style. Going forward, Perazza thinks that the experience from this year will only be helpful. 

“I was thrown into the deep end last year and I was honestly a little worried because I've never done anything like that,” Perazza said. “Coming into it this year, I kind of knew what I was going to get into with the auditions. I think that helps with the confidence part too.”