What does "Total Percussion" mean?
"Total Percussion" refers to a complete approach to learning all the various percussion instruments and styles. Instead of just focusing on concert band and marching band music, we will learn techniques and play in ensembles that apply to all areas of music that involve percussion. These areas include Percussion Ensemble, Concert Percussion Master Classes, a "Hands" class, Marching Percussion, Percussion "Theatre", Ethnic and World Percussion, a Drum Set class as well as Percussion Solo Literature.♫
OK, now what do all of those mean?
♪Percussion Ensembleis a complete ensemble entirely made up of percussion instruments. There could be as little as two or as many as twenty players in a piece, depending on the composer. Some ensemble types include marimba quartets, snare drum trios, and mixed percussion ensemble (keyboard instruments, snare drum, bass drum, timpani, toms). There are so many varieties of combinations of instruments that each percussion ensemble piece can be drastically different from one to the next, except for one key element: It's all percussion!
♪Concert Percussion Master classes will focus on specific playing techniques for the percussion section of a band. This will include detailed work on developing concert snare drum technique, working on timpani techniques such as tuning, rolling and dampening, developing a good crash cymbal sound, how to set yourself up for success, among others.
♪The "Hands" class will work on coordination and development of rudiments that are common for every percussion instrument. This will involve sticks and a practice pad at first, and the skills you develop there will translate onto every other percussion instrument.
♪Marching Percussion Ensemble will be what we call "Drumline". We will be working at learning techniques on marching percussion instruments as well as a show to perform.
♪Percussion Theatre is a chance to explore and perform on unconventional instruments, such as trash cans, PVC pipes, basically anything that makes a noise when you hit it! There will be some choreography involved in creating the production and will involve a lot of creativity. If you've ever heard of the group "Stomp", you have an idea of what percussion theatre would be about.
♪Ethnic and World Percussion explores instruments that are not of European concert band tradition, such as congas, timbales, bongos, and cowbells, to name a few. These will involve hand techniques much more that stick techniques, and will explore music from such areas as Cuba and Brazil.
♪Drum Set Class will focus on skills needed to... you got it! Play the drum set! This includes coordination of your hands and feet, learning different styles as well as learning how to read drum set music.
♪Percussion Solo Literature will explore the wide world of solo music for percussion. Learning solo repertoire can be fun and exciting and does amazing things for your development as a musician and player.
Cool! Sign me up! How much, and when do we meet?
♪Rehearsals are Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30 - 8:30 pm. You are expected to be at all classes. The cost is $175, which is paid at registration before the second rehearsal on Wednesday, February 16th.
♪Special Guest: We already have one guest clinician lined up on Monday, February 19th (President's day). Dr. Darin Workman, the Health and Wellness Committee chair for the Percussive Arts Society, will be presenting a master class on technique, ergonomics and injury prevention (and will play a little for you!). If you have ever felt any pains from playing, you NEET this information!
♪Performances will be discussed in the near future. One performance will be on May 25th and we are working out some other performance opportunities for the groups. There will be time in between ensembles at the band concerts for one of the ensembles to play as well.
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