Many bands run into the same problem at the start of band camp when it comes to the front ensemble: My best mallet players graduated last year, and the junior high "percussionists" are all headed for the drumline. I've got my principal…
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A band director friend of mine once mentioned that he considered buying heavy overcoats for his drumline each year because it seemed they always needed to warm-up. It's true that most drumlines could manage an entire rehearsal just…
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To begin, we need to consider what the musical purpose of the bass drum is in an ensemble. The bass drum is the lowest sound in the percussion section. Whether it is played repetitively, such as during a march, or is used to reinforce…
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Whether you are getting ready for marching band or the indoor season, the process of setting your high school line can be difficult. You need to make sure you assign the right players to each of the various instruments. Proper instrument…
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After teaching marching percussion at the high school, college, and top 12 D.C.I. levels as well as band directing at the junior high and college levels, there are a number of teaching philosophies that I have found to be extremely…
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