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Percussion Information

General Percussion Information:

Percussion spots are by special audition because we can only accept a handful at each school so the balance of the band is solid.  Think of baseball, if there were 10 pitchers on the team it just wouldn’t be a well balanced team.  Much like baseball we have to have a good balance of instruments in the band.  

Qualities of a Percussionist:

  • Are you organized?

  • Do you pay attention to detail?

  • Can you focus and pay attention for a long time?

  • Do you want to commit to being in band for a long time?

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If these qualities don't describe you then a different instrument might be best for you. 

Percussion Audition Criteria:

1.  Mrs. Clark will give you a steady beat test, a rhythm clapping test and a hand coordination test

2.  Recommendation from your classroom teacher (responsibility, respect, work ethic and attitude)

3.  Recommendation from your music teacher (music skills, work ethic and attitude)

How will your percussion try-outs be scored?

Secure (4.0) - All rhythms were played accurately with confidence. (2 errors or less)

Nearly Secure (3.0) - Most rhythms were played accurately.  Audition included moments of rushing, dragging or hesitation. (3-5 errors)

Developing (2.0) - Rhythms were frequently inaccurate.  Tempo was inconsistent throughout the audition. (6-8 errors)

Beginner (1.0) - Rhythms were very inaccurate.  Tempo was significantly inconsistent through the audition.  (more than 9 errors)

Important things to know if you are chosen:

1.  Your family will have to buy a percussion practice kit that includes a drum pad and a bell kit.

2.  Percussionists learn only the bells for the first few months and then they start learning drum pad after they get to a certain part of their book.

3.  Playing percussion requires twice the amount of practice - we recommend 30-40 minutes each day for 4-5 days a week.

4.  You will eventually be learning many different instruments such as bass drum, suspended cymbal, triangle, crash cymbals, tambourine and many others.  Drum set will not be offered until 7th grade.

Percussion equipment you will need if you are chosen:

Percussion Accessories

  • Percussion kit including bells, drum pad, stand that holds both bells and drum pad, and a carrying case for all of the above.

  • OnStage Dual Head Percussion Mallet

  • Vic Firth SD1 American Custom Wood Tip Drumsticks

  • Stick Bag

  • Wire music stand (the kit will come with a music stand that connects to the bell kit, but it's not very sturdy and students will need a stand for the snare drum as well)

  • Name Tag

Percussion Brands

  • Ludwig, Pearl, Yamaha

  • A percussion kit might be cheaper to purchase rather than rent.  A percussion kit with wheels is most convenient for 5th graders since they are so heavy!  Rieman Music might be able to special order one for you if you want to rent.  Otherwise this is a great percussion kit that can be purchased: https://tinyurl.com/pearlpercussionkit1.  If purchasing elsewhere please touch base with Mrs. Clark first to make sure it’s a good kit.

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