It has been a while since I have reviewed a website. [Check out The Bulletproof Musician review from July 2014.] Today, I want to introduce All Things Vibraphone. The site has transcriptions, videos, and performances for vibraphone students. The site describes itself as “A page for vibists with related links to audio and video recordings, articles on improvisational techniques, jazz transcriptions, mallet technique…” (more…)
Thanks for your continued support of PercussionEducation.com. I sent out my first newsletter this week. Please sign up for the newsletter (located in the right column) for news and updates to the blog. I will also be sending out additional material that will not appear on the blog. Here’s some articles and publications I have enjoyed reading this week. Enjoy.
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Ten Things I Wish I Knew Going into my First Ensemble Rehearsal (better known as “Ten Things All My Students Better Know At Their First Ensemble Rehearsal”)
As percussionists, we are required to know how to play a vast array of instruments as well as the techniques that are associated with them. Young percussion students who are studying with a private instructor usually study marimba, snare drum, drum set or timpani. Ensemble playing techniques are usually something that are acquired in high school and unfortunately, the percussion section doesn’t usually get as much attention as it should. Below, I have come up with my “Top 10″ considerations I think all percussionists should know going into their first ensemble rehearsal. My hope is that this list will aid the young percussionist and I value any input and additions anyone has to this list.
1. Bring One (or more) Black Towels
A black towel is a wonderful thing. A black towel can be used:
On a music stand to create a stick tray
On a Bass Drum or Tom to Mute the Drum
To wipe sweaty hands (more…)
On May 6, 2015, NHPR.org (New Hampshire Public Radio) produced a podcast called “Artists Who Kept Their Day Jobs, Jazz Musician Gary Burton, & Comedian Todd Glass.” It begins at 22:00 and it a good insight into Gary Burton and his music. If you haven’t read his autobiography, Learning to Listen: The Jazz Journey of Gary Burton: An Autobiography, it is definitely worth reading this summer.
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The photo in this post is used under the Creative Commons License. Photo by Karin Dalziel
on Flickr.com.
This video features a recording of Vic Firth performing Also sprach Zarathustra with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. This recording was made in 1971 and features the Boston Symphony conducted by William Steinberg.
The first time I met Vic Frith was at a PASIC in Anaheim. It was the last day of the convention and I needed to buy some Gary Burton Vibe Mallets. He helped me pick mallets. Just giving me the time to talk mallets will be something I will very forget.
Thanks Vic!
Skype Lessons with Dr. Gerhart