Ruth Cahn, Instructor
The goal of the percussion department is to use the “wonderful world of percussion instrument” study to connect the student with the wider world of music. Our other lead goal is to build both technical and musical skills of students so that they will become valued participants in their school and community music programs. Orchestra or total percussion instruction may start with the snare drum, but will include keyboard and timpani instruction. Students may be accepted who wish to study just one instrument, for example marimba. We encourage all students to reach level V on snare drum so that they will have a solid skill set to apply to drum set study.
Level 1
Suggested Methods
T. McMillan – Basic Timpani Technique
M. Peters – Fundamental Method for Timpani
Solos
Wright – Graded Music for Timpani
P. Brazauskas – Five Timpani Solos
Technique
Develop roll with proper grip, finger action
Begin legato lift stroke
Establish playing area
Tune 4ths and 5ths
Recognize odd and even sticking groups
Musicianship
Utilize f and p dynamics
Ensemble
Self tune the drums and try to stay with conductor
Level II
Suggested Methods
T. Mc Millan – Basic Timpani Technique
M. Peters – Fundamental Method for Timpani
Solos
Wright – Graded Music for Timpani Book 2
J. McKenzie – Six Graded Timpani Solos
Technique
Tune 4ths, 5ths, M3, M2 and m2
Begin staccato stroke
Refine playing area, develop good cross stroke
Develop ability to dampen with both hands
Musicianship
Full dynamic range development
Fp roll sound
Develop sonic palette: arm, wrist and finger elements
Ensemble
Able to retune during a composition
Greater dynamic range
Level III
Methods
R. Hochrainer – Etuden for Timpani Vol. 1
Goldenberg – Classic Overtures for Timpani
Solos
Wright – Graded Music for Timpani Book 2
J. Beck – Grand Teton
W. Schinstine – Tymp Tunes
Technique
Tune P4, P5, M3, m3, M2, m2
Develop 3 and 4 drum technique
Develop drum crossing
Musicianship
Crescendo rolls and releases
Able to switch and choose stroke types
More centered tone
Ensemble
Can really respond to conductor
Confident at retuning while the ensemble is playing
Level IV
Methods
Hochrainer – Etuden for Timpani Vol. I
Goldenberg – Classic Overtures for Timpani
Goodman – Modern Method for Timpani
Solos
J. Beck – Alpine Slide
Goodman – Introduction and Allegro
Muczynski – Three Designs for Three Timpani
A. Tcherepnin – Sonatina
Technique
Tune all intervals as before plus M6, m6, and octaves
Good stick control on crescendo and diminuendo rolls
Ensemble
Ability to play out to balance the ensemble
Ability to choose hardness of stick
Full dynamic range
Ability to blend with the ensemble
Level V: Diploma Level
Methods
R. Hochrainer – Etuden for Timpani Vol. 2
Goldenberg – Romantic Symphonies for Timpani
Delecluse – 30 Studies for Timpani Vol. 2
Solos
J. Bergamo – Four Pieces for Timpani
Firth – Solo Impressions for Two Timpani
Goodman – Ballad for the Dance
Technique
Odd meters and odd groupings
Non-traditional notation reading
More doublings between drums
Musicianship
Ability to work independently and solve creative problems – begin to create a sense of personal sound
Ensemble
Experiences with NYSSMA All county festivals, community bands and orchestras, RPYO audition
Level VI: Honors Level
Methods
Hinger – Technique for the Virtuoso Timpanist
Delecluse – 30 Studies for Timpani
Hochrainer – Etuden for Timpani
Solos
Hinger – Solos for the Virtuoso Timpanist
Wright – Graded Music for Timpani Book 4
Beck – Sonata for Timpani
Floyd – Theme and Variations for Four Timpani
Technique
Tune all possible intervals
Develop non-traditional timpani sounds
Musicianship
Show a real sense of personal style as a player that includes stick choices (making your own sticks).
Develop a knowledge of much standard orchestra repertoire for timpani
Ensemble
Perform in youth orchestras, All State Festivals and community groups
Ability to play out to balance the ensemble
Ability to choose hardness of sticks
Full dynamic range
Goals
Audition for RPYO
Prepare for Honors Jury to be played in February of Senior year