Hinsdale South Percussion
Percussion Specialist
John Plate
Hinsdale South offers a Concert Percussion and Symphonic Percussion course that meet during the same period independently from their affiliated band class. The curriculum includes mallet and snare rudiment work.
Concert Percussion is an entry level course. Students work collaboratively in percussion ensembles and individually on:
Beginning snare rudiments
Mallet technique
Auxiliary percussion
Basic drumset methods
Basic timpani skills, and
Perform with the Concert Band at concerts
Symphonic Percussion is the second-level, auditioned percussion course. Students work collaboratively in percussion ensembles and individually on:
Refining and completing their 40 snare drum rudiments
Continue with advanced keyboard techniques with 2-4 mallet literature
Discover advanced Latin grooves on the drumset
Manipulate pitch on the timpani during a piece, and
Perform with the Symphonic Band and/or Wind Symphony at concerts
Recommended Equipment
These items may be purchased from the local music store or are available for purchase from HSHS
These items may be purchased from the local music store or are available for purchase from HSHS
Mallet Bag and Drum Key
Metronome
Practice Pad - Vic Firth 12 inch Double sided Practice Pad (or 6 inch version as a lighter option)
Evans Real Feel 12 inch Double Sided Practice Pad (or 6 inch version as a lighter option)
Concert Snare Sticks - Vic Firth General (SD1)
Marching Snare Sticks - Vic Firth Ralph Hardiman Corpsmaster
Yarn-Concert Marimba Mallets - Mike Balter #83 Medium
Jazz Stick Bag
Jazz Sticks - Vic Firth American Classics 5A (Plastic Tip)
Metal Brushes
Hot Rod Sticks
Percussion Resources & Books
Vic Firth is a reputable company that values excellent music education through online resources, and sells quality percussion products.
Beginning textbooks to enhance daily practice (Use with SmartMusic)
Alfred's Drum Method Complete - Sandy Feldstein & Dave Black
Rudimental Etudes and Warm-ups - Steve Murphy, Joe Testa, Kit Chatham
A Fresh Approach to Mallet Percussion - Mark Wessels
Like a wind player needs to know scales, percussionists need to be fluent in identifying and performing the 40 basic rudiments.
Begin by watching these introductory videos by Dave Atkinson.
Dave Atkinson is the drummer for the Canadian rock-band YUCA and has been teaching drums for more than 10 years, helping thousands of drum students reach their goals through FreeDrumLessons.com, DrumLessons.com, and as the community manager for Drumeo Edge.
Hinsdale South Drum Line Cadence Demo Videos
Jeremy Fung
Snare