Instructional Areas and Descriptions

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Concert Percussion/Snare Drum – This course deals with all of the standard concert percussion techniques for band and orchestral ensembles, as well as instruction on concert and rudimental snare drum technique. The students will be dealing with topics including: sound production, instrument choices, mallet/stick/beater choices, and interpretation of notation. The techniques taught are directly related to concert band, orchestra, and marching band ensembles. 

    
Drumset – Based on course level, the students will learn about: parts of a drumset, history, stick/mallet choices, playing techniques, dynamic & tempo control, performance styles & grooves, soloing and chart reading. Students will be listening to and playing along with historically important recordings of ensembles and drummers.

Mallet/Keyboard Percussion – The mallet/keyboard course is designed to help students with little to no previous mallet/keyboard experiences through those with advanced skills. Students in the beginning courses will be dealing with introduction to the instruments, fundamentals of playing techniques and basic music theory. More advanced courses will include discussion of technique, mallet choice, and four mallet technique. When possible mallet ensembles will be organized and students will have the opportunity to perform together.
 
World/Hand Percussion – This course will take students to the “roots” of percussion history. This course will focus on instruments of Africa and South America. “Hands on” takes on a new meaning as students learn about instruments where their hands are used to create the sounds. In class students will perform in ensemble settings, learn about soloing and using non-verbal musical languages to control form, dynamics, and tempo. Along with the historical importance, this course will prepare students for playing opportunities in their school jazz bands, concert bands, and marching ensembles.
 
Timpani – Based on course level, students will learn technique and musicianship of the timpani. Students will learn the historical and modern role timpani play in ensembles such as orchestra, band, percussion ensemble, and the marching band front ensemble. The students will be dealing with topics including: sound production, mallet choices, and interpretation of notation.

  
Marching Percussion – A “step by step” approach to the wide variety of techniques used in a contemporary marching percussion ensemble. Students will receive instruction on the four main instruments of the “battery” section: snare drum, tenors, bass drum, and cymbals. Topics of discussion will include stick/mallet choices, grips, sound production, stroke techniques, dynamic control, proper warm-up routines, listening responsibilities, and ensemble timing/balance. Attention will be given to both the playing and marching aspects of this unique style of performance.

At the finale Concert on Friday a select group of students from all the classes will have the opportunity to perform in a special ensemble.