Percussion Education Resources
Introduction: Warm ups, classification, and auditioning to start percussion
Chapter 2: Cymbals and Bass Drum
Review and additional resources
-give your percussionists something to work on! It is demotivating when percussionists are not given anything challenging or interesting when the rest of the band is warming up with long tones or other wind specific exercises.
-Make positive connections with local music stores! they will give you deals, help you in a pinch, and provide reliable services to your students
-There is always an alternative or workaround for low budgets! Use exercises and etudes that require limited resources, such as clapping rhythms, the rhythm diagram, or unique instruments (like exploring the sounds of newspaper)
- look for grant opportunities such as the LAUSD arts funding in addition to regular fundraising.
-Every band starts somewhere. Try not to be disappointed if the band has few members or needs to be created from the ground up. Work with what you got and see it as an opportunity to get more 1 on 1 teaching to make each individual student succeed.
-Get creative and innovative! the metal slinky in Brian Balmages' Hypnotic Fireflies and the percussion in John Mackey's Foundry (like the "4 metal bowls" and train tracks!) are great examples of unusual instrumentation put to great effect. Also encourage unique small ensembles and provide many opportunities for solo and small ensemble playing.
-be careful when replacing a timpani head by yourself
