Psappha is a work for multi-percussion by Iannis Xenakis. The work is scored for three groups of three groups of both wood and skins and three groups of metal instruments and the specific instrumentation is left up to the performer. This performance features percussion virtuoso Steve Schick.
Samuel Solomon’s program notes on Psappha can be found here. Has anyone performed this piece? What instruments did you end up using? Leave a comment below.
Originally posted on DrumChattr on November 10, 2010 by Dave Gerhart.
What is the difference between a CV (curriculum vitae) and a resume? In this post I want to discuss the major differences between a CV and Resume and show you an example of each. As a student, I think it is very important to have an updated resume. You will need to use a resume for grad school auditions and job interviews. It also comes in handy when you apply for scholarships at your university or to PASIC. Keep all of your programs and try and update your resume at least twice a year (Summer and Winter Break). (more…)
Welcome to part II! Fresh off a residency at the University of Texas at Austin, I sat down and had an off-the-cuff conversation with Dr. John Parks who is Associate Professor of Percussion at Florida State University. In Part – II we get down to business and discuss why Haydn is a hack, the new Florida State Percussion Ensemble CD, and the importance of Leigh Howard Stevens’ book “Method of Movement”. Plus, the most epic thing to ever happen on PATV happens about 12 minutes in!
What topics would you like for us to discuss next time? Leave your comments.
A few weeks back I was commenting on a post on DrumChattr that related to grad school application and auditions. It’s early November, and if memory serves me right, most applications start coming due around the first of December. So… ‘Tis the season for thinking about grad school auditions. However, in posting on the DrumChattr message boards, I got myself thinking about auditions in general, and I have some thoughts that I want to share, namely some tips for improving your audition skills. (more…)
There is so much to know about being a musician that sometimes the little things are not addressed. Some of those “little things” are etiquette issues. As teachers, we can only do so much in lessons and ensemble rehearsals. So I’ve have decided to start a list. I would like to start an open dialogue about etiquette issues and create a comprehensive list that can be turned into a PDF that we can all share with our students. I welcome any feedback and contributions. (more…)
Fresh off a residency at the University of Texas at Austin, I sat down and had an off-the-cuff conversation with Dr. John Parks who is Associate Professor of Percussion at Florida State University. We discuss guest artists, weight loss, play word association, and wonder if Haydn is a hack. Part II will air Sunday, and I promise you, you won’t want to miss that one!
Who are your favorite guest artists? Feel free to play some “percussion” word association, but play nice! Leave your comments and word associations below.
This video features line upon line percussion performing Missa Materialis by Ian Dicke. This performance features line upon line (Adam Bedell, Cullen Faulk, Matthew Teodori), percussion at the Outpost Concert Series at the Culver Center of the Arts on November 6, 2013.
I. Industry
II. End User
III. Prophets and Profits
IV. Plastic Deity
V. Landfill
Has anyone else played this piece? What other percussion trio pieces are out there that we should check out? Let us know.
With the ever expanding web, it has become very important for musicians to stay with or ahead of the ‘technological curve.’ One semi-controversial element of this curve is the use of YouTube, or any other video hosting service, to promote your playing. The reason that I think this can become controversial is because there is a large debate about what you should post online, and when in your career you should post it. Many advocate posting things early in your career, to receive feedback, and make yourself more widely known. Others avoid posting their content online for fear of ridicule or over-exposing their weaknesses. (more…)
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.
Having a passion for pedagogy has taught me a lot over the years. One important idea that I’ve developed along the way has to do with perspective. I’ve found that a student can learn more quickly by focusing on general perspectives or guiding principles. These general ideas work to enable the student to apply and connect specific techniques to the aesthetics of musicality (phrasing/interpretation). Each post in this series will focus on a different “guiding principle”, a general concept or idea that can point students in the right direction. Which direction you ask? Well that is simple: the development of superb musicianship. (more…)
