DYNAMICS
The timpani are some of the most DYNAMIC and DRAMATIC instruments in the band. Timpanists need to be able to utilize the full DYNAMIC RANGE of each timpano.
USE STROKE HEIGHT TO ACHIEVE DYNAMICS
HIGH = LOUD
low = soft
Fortepiano roll (Fp) = one loud stroke, wait and let the drum ring for a moment (without striking), then sneak in with a piano roll.
Sforzando (sfz) = stay loud slightly longer, perhaps 3 loud strokes (RLR) instead of one.