Jackson Creek Middle School
Exploring Music & Bands

Percussion instruments

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR PRACTICING

(30 minutes/day, 5 days/week)

STEP 1...GET READY Make sure that the snare drum and bells are set up properly (correct height & angle). Now's the time to check for worn/damaged drum heads, snares, sticks, and mallets. Does the snare strainer and muffler work; are the keys on the bells ringing freely? Is the drum tuned properly?

STEP 2...WARM-UP You are nothing without a good sound. Start off with LONG ROLLS, slow and open. Are your hands even sounding or is one striking with greater force? Be aware of where you are striking the instrument, hand position, and stick height. Close the roll – keep it smooth. Try different spots on the batter head / different keys on the bells. Add dynamic control, i.e. forte‚ piano‚ forte & different dynamic levels.

STEP 3...BUILD TECHNIQUE Carefully work on the technical part of your playing. Look in a mirror – how's your hand position & posture? Keep a steady tempo – metronomes are great!

On keyboard percussion, start off with slow scales and arpeggios, using the full range of the bells or xylophone. Do as many as you can – learn one new scale every week or two and add it to your practice session. Try different rhythmic patterns. For speed, reduce stick height. Use minimal motion. Go to your book and work on scale patterns and repetitive-type pieces that force your hands and mind to really work together.

On snare drum, using a metronome to maintain the tempo, practice even quarters‚ eighths‚ sixteenths and back. Learn one new rudiment/roll per week and add it to your practice session. Practice open–closed–open and at a steady tempo.

If you are working on a different instrument (timpani, triangle, whatever) now's the time to work on getting the best, most authentic sound; one that you can always produce.

STEP 4...THE MUSIC Work on an exercise in your book or short sections of a song.

• Level 1) Check the time signature, then clap & count the rhythm.
• Level 2) Check the key signature & accidentals, then try the pitches (on bells)
• Level 3) Play it slowly, with precision.
• Level 4) Bring it up to tempo, but don't sacrifice accuracy.
• Level 5) Add expression (dynamics, grace notes, etc.) & feeling.

Don't leave a level until you can do it right. Practice until you improve something. Play the entire piece only when the bugs are worked out.

STEP 5...SIGHT READING This is the real test of your abilities. Choose music that is easy. You've got to be able to tell if you're doing it right or wrong. Can you play it perfectly? As you get better, pick harder music. Go to a music store and see what they have available or ask us for some help.

STEP 6...DEVELOP YOUR EAR Can you play songs you heard on the radio on your instrument? Try it. What about making up your own songs?

STEP 7...PACK IT UP Now's the time to clean and wipe the fingerprints off of your instrument. At least once a month do a complete cleaning in the manner that is appropriate for your instrument.

Bob Austin - director ... 330-2451 x154 ... raustin "at" mccsc.edu