https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dw61EeJcqxo
Originally written for marimba, James Beauton chose to improvise and perform this work on the 3.5 octave YV-3910 Yamaha Vibraphone. This video was recorded live in June, 2013 at Stony Brook University.
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…)
It is hard to believe that over a year ago on Sunday, April 27, 2014, I hosted the Massive Band 2014 Steel Drum Concert at CSULB. It was an amazing concert featuring over 100 steel pan performers (see the list below). This video features steel pan virtuoso Andy Narell on a tune I wrote (shameless self-promotion alert) called PanSon.
The groups featured are:
CSULB STEEL DRUM ORCHESTRA (Dave Gerhart – director)
CABRILLO HIGH SCHOOL PANJAMMAS (Drew Holt – director)
CAMPBELL HALL SOLDIERS OF STEEL (HIGH SCHOOL) & STEEL PANDAS (JUNIOR HIGH) (Jason Bruns – director)
GRANADA MIDDLE SCHOOL PAN SQUAD (Jennifer Stampfl – director)
LAKEWOOD STEEL (Amanda Duncan – director)
RUSTY STEEL BAND (Andy Cobbs – director)
WESTMINSTER HIGH SCHOOL STEEL BAND (John Whatley – director)
Have a great weekend!
The CYSO is always looking for new ways to develop programming, commission works and push the boundaries of classical music. This video and project is no exception! Bravo CYSO.
The CYSO’s Encore Chamber Orchestra, Allen Tinkham (conductor) and Third Coast Percussion performs David T. Little’s RADIANT CHiLD.
Radiant Child Video Recording was supported by New Music USA. For more information about this project, visit their website.
Radiant Child Video Recording was supported by New Music USA, made possible by annual program support and/or endowment gifts from Helen F. Whitaker Fund, Aaron Copland Fund for Music
Performed by Duomo (Ashley Tini and Emily Strachan)
For two vibraphones and glockenspiel, Glow explores the similarities and dissimilarities between these instruments. It moves at a comfortable pace, allowing resonance to fill the air, shimmering softly, eventually switching to hands for the soft, gossamer landing. Approximately 4:00 in duration and available here.
Composed by Drew Worden & Carson Moody (TIGUE)
Performed by Drew Worden & Sam Um
Audio/Video Recording by Michael Sherman
Mixed by Drew Worden, Sam Um and Michael Sherman
Produced by Drew Worden
For more information about this piece or to purchase the score, visit Drew’s site.
Skype Lessons with Dr. Gerhart