Percussion

Percussion students are responsible for playing all the percussion instruments including bells, xylophone, bass drum, cymbals, timpani, and accessory instruments like the tambourine, triangle, and cowbell. Percussion students will first learn to play the bells and the snare drum (practice pad), then they will learn other percussion instruments.  

Things to consider in choosing percussion:  

• Stature is adequate to handle the size and weight of the instrument

• Student possesses a high degree of self-control and is self-motivated

• Student has an average to above average attention span and is not easily distracted or bored

• Physical coordination is above average.

• Committed to becoming a “complete percussionist” (not just “drums”)

Materials you will need: 

• Student percussion kit: bell set, snare drum or practice pad, and stand. All other percussion instruments will be provided by the school (tambourine, cymbals, etc). 

• 1 pair drumsticks (Vic Firth SD1 Generals are preferred). No drumsticks with plastic tips, please

• 1 pair bell mallets (I like mallets made by Innovative Percussion the Fundamental Series F9)

• Method Book - Essential Elements for Band, Book 1. This can be purchased at a music store or ordered online. Make sure the book says Percussion in the upper right hand corner of the cover.