As percussionists we are called on to play countless instruments and their appropriate styles. Here, from Grant Dalton, are six important tips to consider when called on to play a "Broadway" type show: 1. Find out everything that you can about the show that you are going to be playing. This includes things like set-up space and load-in restrictions. 2. Develop the most efficient instrument set-up possible. Start with some paper and a pencil with a good eraser, and begin making an instrument list and sketching out a basic set-up. Once you have a general idea of the instrument setup, begin experimenting with the actual instruments. 3. Be sure that you can play every note of the show perfectly before...
Many young percussionists have trouble executing a tambourine thumb or finger roll. While it is a relatively easy technique to master, students often ignore spending the time necessary to develop good technique. Here are a few tips to expedite the learning process: Keep the thumb (or finger) bent back and stiff. Use light pressure against the head (pushing hard hinders vibration). Make sure the finger travels forward around the circumference (not sideways). Move around the edge slowly. Moisten the finger or use beeswax or a "Roll-Ring" to help execution. While the thumb roll is not too difficult to master, it is a technique that is often called for and execution must be both consistent and accurate. For more info...
One of the biggest lessons I learned out of school was that subbing in professional orchestras did not mean playing snare drum, xylophone, or bells--or timpani. It meant being really, really good at the stuff I never played in lessons (other than for audition preparation)--triangle, tambourine, castanets, etc. In fact, almost 85% of what I played in my first ten years of professional playing was bass drum and cymbals. And a lot of tambourine. So do yourself a favor--if you're in school, especially with symphony orchestras and wind groups, take a few tambourine parts and work them up. There's no better place to experiment with instruments, new techniques, and colors than ensemble rehearsals. And take five minutes out of every...
Towel- Having a tray to place mallets, sticks, beaters and small percussion instruments on is an important accessory for a percussionist, but unless it's carpeted or foamed it could be a source of noise that is unmusical, offensive and unwanted. Having a towel (preferably not brightly colored) is just the accessory that every percussionist should carry. Not only can the towel be placed on a horizontal music stand to stop unwanted noise when putting down mallets, etc., but can also be used, in a pinch, as a muffler on a concert bass drum. Duct Tape is the universal tool for quick fix emergencies that happen before a performance. It can be used to keep stands together when screws get stripped...
Here are some tip for playing bass drum - aka:gran cassa, grosse trommel, grosse caisse Tune the drum as low as possible without sounding flabby. Most people tune the beating head looser than the vibrating head. The important thing to remember is not to set a pitch area which could interfere with the intonation of the ensemble. Always listen to the ensemble and instruments around you. Does your part match the brass or basses? If so, try to match their phrasing, articulation and timbre. It this a solo forte or an accompaniment forte? It is tutti or perhaps just one section of the band/orchestra? Have a variety of mallets/beaters available to bring out the warmth, the low boom sound or...
