Percussion Classes at FAC 2009-2010

In addition to conducting the Young Artist Orchestra and overseeing the Instrumental Chamber Music class at the Fine Arts Center, I have the pleasure of working with three percussion classes, two with first year and one with second year students.

(In the image below: Percussion I-a, from left to right: Sam Goldsmith, Josh Epting, James Pratt, Lex Nordlinger, Joeseph Tribble, Neil Wolin, and Tom Broyles)

Percussion I is all about snare drum, "hand technique," and an approach to the drum set that capitalizes upon the body's natural strengths and inclinations. We work to develop poise, relaxation, intellectual organization, creativity, and – always – a wholesome sound on whatever instrument we happen to be playing. I encourage my students to "become a new you" by adapting their lifestyles to those of successful student musicians. Firstly and most importantly, this means nesting in one's room with books, sticks, a practice pad, a mirror (very important!) and a drum set for 60-90 minutes of daily practice. Longer sessions are encouraged for the weekends. Currently, Percussion I students are working on fundamental stick strokes and "grip," reading, and four-way rock coordination. Students are using Garwood Whaley's "Fundamental Studies for the Snare Drum," Ted Reed's "Progressive Steps to Syncopation," and an anthology I assembled for their use.

In the image left, Percussion I-b, from left to right: Jesse Limon, Chase Garrett, Valerie Bostick, Isaiah Franklin, David Wilson, and Luke Russell

With a year's worth of Fine Arts Center training already under their belts, Percussion II students continue the pursuits of Percussion I but on a much higher level of complexity and sophistication. General hand technique continues with the use of George Lawrence Stone's famous book entitled "Stick Control." Students are also busy mastering their multiple-bounce rolls. Percussion II students are digesting one or two rudimental snare drum solos weekly from Charlie Wilcoxon's "The All-American Drummer: 150 Solos" and sophisticated concert snare drum etudes from Anthony Cirone's "Portraits in Rhythm." Families should hear happy, Brazilian-flavored drum set work emanating each day from the bedrooms of Percussion II students, who are exploring basic clavé and samba beats. We start studies on the marimba in the first term. Like their friends in Percussion I, a good day's session with the sticks should hand in at about 60-90 minutes.

Percussion II, from left to right: Kylon Tyner, Malcolm McMillan, Trevor McCurdy, Nathan Matthews, Richard McDonald, and Audrey Hamilton

GAR
3 September 2009