The percussion ensemble had its major break in 1997, performing Grease in Indiana State Track Association competitions, under the direction of Pamela Collins with head percussion instructor Christopher Hall. Since then, the percussion ensemble has grown at least twice in size. The past two years, the percussion ensemble has participated in winter drumline activities with the hope of joining the Indiana Percussion Association. In the summer of 1998, Cowan’s repetoire consisted of music by George Gershwin and Hoagie Carmicheal. During the winter of 1998, the drumline cooperated with the percussion ensemble of Morristown Jr.-Sr. High School and Gary Turner of Delta Jr.-Sr. High School, in two performances of John Rutter’s Gloria. In the summer of 1999, the Cowan Blackhawk Brigade performed an American Patriotic presentation. The drumline tied for second place in small bands at the Indiana State Fair, earning them the highest position in their vast Indiana State Fair history. (The band placed 16th and performed exhibition in the night show at State Fair.)
