Earlier this week, I was visiting with a younger percussionist here at Indiana who is diving into the world of multi-percussion solos, and beginning to deal with some of the unique issues that this music presents. When I was a Sophomore or Junior I heard Steven Schick discussing how he learns music at PASIC during a panel discussion. He touched on many, many useful techniques, but there was one in particular that has saved me a great deal of heartache. I must warn you in advance, that it has been sometime since I saw the presentation so I cannot remember his exact process, but I have a process that I find very helpful when beginning a new multi-percussion piece. (more…)
Stefon Harris Clinic: Do you know your Major Scale?
There is no way for me to capture the impact of Stefon Harris’ improvisation clinic in a brief blog. The information he presented was insightful, especially for the non-improviser, and very easy to understand and implement. The first question he presented was at the beginning of the clinic was, “Do you know your major scale?” As an audience of professional percussionists, we were intrigued, as were all pretty sure we knew our major scales. However, Stefon proceeded to prove to us that we did not know them as intimately as we should. (more…)
What is the purpose for developing extended, specialized techniques? In this episode we focus on four-mallet rolling utilizing the Stevens Grip, and explore how 4 different roll types can be used together to fool our listeners! (into thinking we are sustaining a note…)
Share with us how you apply extended techniques to musical expression in your own playing. Leave your comments below.
PASIC is over and we are excited about the interview we did with Gordon Stout on Saturday. Look for it in the podcast feed on iTunes or check it out on the site. Today’s video features Gordon conducting the Marimba Orchestra from the 2007 PAS Day of Percussion (Joel Smales, host). The orchestra is playing Bolero by Eustacio Rosales. This piece was transcribed by Clair Omar Musser and was featured at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair as part of the 100-piece marimba orchestra concert.
Have you heard any other large marimba orchestra pieces? What is your favorite? Leave a comment below.
Originally posted on DrumChattr on November 14, 2010.
A 23 year old Gary Burton perform A Singing Song as a member of the Stan Getz Quartet (1967). This video is from a BBC production called “Jazz Goes to College.” It is great to see Gary’s four mallet playing from the 60s. If you are interested in the lead sheet for this piece, check out Gary’s book called “Solo – 6 Unaccompanied Solos for Vibes” available at Steve Weiss Music.
Today’s show is all about interaction as we discuss concepts and questions about episode #71 from the PATV community! Any reactions to the ideas in the video? Or, answer the question of the episode: What are you guys up to that you are really excited about? We want to hear from you guys!
