Ideas to help with sight reading for percussion

Saturday, December 6th, 2008

This is in response to a question I had recently from a parent who was helping their daughter prepare for a high school band audition on percussion. This is just a few ideas to help anyone in this situation. Firstly, what is sight reading? Sight reading is the ability to perform a passage of music [...]

What is the difference between a Marimba and a Xylophone?

Friday, May 2nd, 2008

This is part of the percussion fundamentals series of Articles on the Percussion Education Blog. One of the most often mis-understood differences is the difference between a Marimba and a Xylophone. This article aims to clarify those differences, and also point out the similarities between the two. The Marimba and the Xylophone both have wooden [...]

Glockenspiel Instructions

Wednesday, April 16th, 2008

A Glockenspiel or “Orchestral Bells” can be one of the most beautiful instruments – but it can also be one of the most demanding and taxing on the ears for the classroom or percussion teacher. Here are some tips and tricks on keeping the glockenspiel under control in any band! 1) Always go for one pair [...]

Classroom Tuned Percussion

Wednesday, April 9th, 2008

Do you know where to go to find good classroom tuned percussion? I’ve scoured the internet to find the best places to get classroom tuned percussion instruments 1) Online Retailers There are a few online retailers in the US who stock and sell Classroom Percussion Instruments. One is Woodwind and Brasswind, where you can get [...]

Build your own marimba

Sunday, December 16th, 2007

I just wanted to let you know about a brand new website from my friend and colleague Jim McCarthy. Jim has been working really hard on his new project – which is a complete set of plans and blueprints for building a full sized three octave marimba. Jim’s prototype is just beautiful – really nice [...]