How many top 10 lists did you read this year? Every year, we are inundated with posts about the top “things”. But why are there never “the worst posts of the year?” So I decided to post my 5 worst posts of the year in hopes you take some time to check these out. Happy New Year and I look forward to a great 2017!
Zildjian Education – New World Symphony
Every Instrument in this Room by Geoff Sheil
Thank you for your continued support and here’s to more percussion education in the coming year. It would be great to hear from you. Please leave a comment below and say hi. Happy New Year! Here are the top 5 posts from 2016.
1) On Student Attendance at Faculty Performances: Dr. Tracy Wiggins wrote a great article on the importance of students attending recitals. Read it and share it with your students.
2) Jeff Porcaro plays Rosanna: One of my all time favorite drummers playing the classic groove to Rosanna. Even if you are not a drumset player, you will appreciate this amazing video. Last year this was #1 and it remains in the top 5 again this year.
3) The Greatest Snare Drum Tuning Trick: Every time I watch this video, I always wonder how long the counterhoop will remain flat and round?
4) Snare Drum Head Showdown: A showdown of 14 drum heads in one video.
5) Episode 026: Composing using the Rudiments: Rounding out the top 5, this post continues to be popular. In the coming year, I hope to create more videos about composing.
It has been a fun year and I appreciate everyone who has visited the site over the past year. Thank you for your continued support and here’s to more percussion education in the coming year. It would be great to hear from you. Please leave a comment below and say hi. Happy New Year! Here are the top 5 posts from 2015.
1) Jeff Porcaro plays Rosanna: One of my all time favorite drummers playing the classic groove to Rosanna. Even if you are not a drumset player, you will appreciate this amazing video.
2) Episode 026: Composing using the Rudiments: Over the past year, I have been writing some new snare drum pieces. I will be sharing these soon. I hope to see some of your pieces as well.
3) Why Do We Study Music?: A great justification of why we study music. Thank you TED Ed.
4) Vic Firth Marimba Literature Library: VicFirth.com is a destination website for a lot of percussion content. Go spend some time check out the site.
5) Fractalia by Owen Clayton Condon: Great piece by Owen Clayton Condon performer by the Third Coast Percussion Ensemble.
Every year, we are inundated with posts about the top “things” that happened in the past year. So I decided to post my 5 worst posts of the year in hopes you take some time to check these out. How did I decide what the worst posts were? Actually, I don’t think these are bad posts, but according to my site’s analytics, they were the worst performing posts. In the 1990s, NBC used to say “If you haven’t seen it, it’s new to you.” So, I invite you to check them out and let me know what you think. Happy New Year and I look forward to a great 2016!
Episode 015: Double Stroke Rolls
Episode 013: The Ruff & Bounced Strokes
Considered one of the first multi-percussion concertos, Darius Milhaud’s ‘Concerto Pour Batterie et Petit Orchestre’ (1929-30) is a masterwork in the percussion repertoire. Joseph Gramley and the University of Michigan Percussion Studio has put together a seven part documentary on this landmark piece. Bravo to Joe Gramley, Jonathan Ovalle and the UM Percussion Studio on this great historical resource.
Follow the University of Michigan Percussion Studio on Twitter and Facebook.
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…)
Skype Lessons with Dr. Gerhart