FAC Percussion Course Descriptions

Percussion I

Percussion I is an introductory course in which students develop a strong foundational technique on snare drum and drum set, and an insightful, intellectually based ability to read musical notation. Snare drum studies encompass both concert and rudimental styles, but focus uniquely on snare drum rudiments and their application to drum set. Drum set studies cover body alignment, four-way coordination, tone production, phrasing, and improvisation principally in rock and jazz styles.

Students enrolled in Percussion I are given small group and individual instruction as needed. Students also work with one another as teammates to master skills being studied. Each class period encompasses both instruction and team practice time. Our general objectives include:

General Musicianship
• ability to read and to control the performance of written notation, especially rhythmic
• be able to apply understanding and control of rhythmic concepts and notation in all applicable performance areas
Snare drum: ability to
• perform, at a beginning competition level, all 40 standard snare drum rudiments
• read standard snare drum notation through and including intermediate level
• perform intermediate level concert snare drum etude
• perform intermediate level rudimental snare drum etude
Drum set: ability to
• perform rock feel at moderate tempo demonstrating four-way independence
• perform jazz feels at moderate tempo demonstrating four-way independence
• perform basic samba and clave feels demonstrating four-way independence (time permitting)
• perform a rudimentary drum solos in each style

Percussion I/II

Percussion I/II, a unique class offered for 2010-201l, is geared toward two kinds of percussionists: returning FAC students who will benefit from a review Percussion I before beginning materials for Percussion II, and new FAC students whose skills and/or experience place them at a higher entrance level than standard Percussion I. Goals for the class encompass elements of both Percussion I and II: to establish or reinforce a strong, fundamental snare drum technique; to gain conceptual and technical mastery of the 40 snare drum rudiments; to establish or reinforce a consistent method of counting, controlling, and reading rhythmic studies in both concert and rudimental styles; to establish or reinforce an elegant, ergonomic, and rhythmically controlled approach to rock, jazz, and Brazilian (samba) drum set playing; and to begin the study of mallet percussion. In a collegial classroom environment, returning Percussion II will be encouraged to mentor Percussion I students in the development of solid snare drum and drum set technique, while newly enrolled Percussion I students will be encouraged to share their diverse backgrounds and experiences with other members of the class.

Percussion II

Percussion II is a continuation of the Fine Arts Center’s Percussion I, and presumes a solid foundation in snare drum reading, demonstrable command of the 40 snare drum rudiments, and the ability to perform snare drum solos in both concert and rudimental styles. On the drum set, students should have relaxed and flexible four-way coordination in rock and jazz, be able to read studies and be comfortable improvising in both styles. Students should have aural references points (know some of the music) in jazz. Students should have a thorough familiarity with Ted Reed’s Progressive Steps to Syncopation, Garwood Whaley’s Fundamental Studies for the Snare Drum. Edward Freitag’s The Rudimental Drummers Cookbook, John Pickering’s The Drummer’s Cookbook, or their equivalent. Percussion II builds on this foundation, expanding reading, musical, and technical ability on the snare drum as well as breadth and depth on the drum set. Samba, some Latin and Afro-Cuban styles are introduced. In addition, Percussion II students begin their studies on the marimba and timpani, and are given their first experience rehearsing and performing in a percussion ensemble. Classes include group, instruction, individual instruction, and studio practice time.

Comprehensive (Advanced) Percussion

The purpose of the 2010-2011 Comprehensive Percussion Class is to develop its members into "all around percussionists" with skills in two and four mallet keyboard, snare drum, timpani, and accessory instruments. To accomplish this goal students will work on mallets, snare drum, and timpani concurrently, especially during Term I and Term III.

• Two and four mallet projects will be addressed on a weekly basis in a master class setting. Students will need to schedule practice time before or after class hours. There will usually be one class period each week that will be free and available for practice time. Students are strongly encouraged to purchase or borrow an instrument for home practice
• Snare drum projects will be introduced at the beginning of each term, coached periodically in master class settings, and performed for a grade at the end of each term. Consistent home practice is expected.
• Timpani projects will be undertaken largely in a classroom setting, with timpani classes held once each week. During Semester I, individual practice on timpani is encouraged but not mandatory.
• Accessory instruments will be studied within the context of ensemble works prepared for recitals, especially during Term II and Term IV.