I am new at this.... I've been teaching 30 years, but new to band. Long story. Anyway, My school has always had a drum line. I DON'T want just a bunch of kids standing around pounding on things. I want some really good materials that will educate and challenge them. Where to find?

Views: 9

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Joyce,
Some more particulars might help here. Is this marching snare drum line? Is it indoor percussion ensemble? Are non-majors in the group? What are the objectives? Are they self-contained or are they to be part of a larger ensemble?

RW
I don't mean to be vague, but we are sort of mis-matched. We have a couple concert snares....one doesn't sound very good. We have a floor tom from an obsolete set that is little more than a toy. We have some hand-me-down quads that are in pretty bad shape, but I put new heads on them, so they don't sound TOOOO bad. They are on a shoulder harness that's really too big for any of my little kids. We have crash cymbals, a suspended cymbal, and a concert bass drum. There is one particular event in which they like to participate. It takes place outside, but is not a marching event. I don't want to put anyone else in it but my percussionists. In the past other band students were allowed to play percussion in this ensemble. The drum line is going to be self-contained, though they ARE part of the band. THEIR objectives are to sound COOL, and to beat other middle school drum lines in the area, in a competition...judged by I don't know.... Not DCI or anything. MY objectives are to teach them to count, to read, to learn rudiments, to listen, to focus, to play together, to have a work ethic...need I go on?
"Where to find?"
If we have the exact instrumentation you wish to use, we can make more specific suggestions.
Are you looking for ensemble pieces or cadences?
How often are they to rehearse? How many rehearsals before the performance?

I like to use the folks at "Row-loff" their url is:

http://www.rowloff.com/

Great stuff for all levels.
Russ et al:

I like the Rowloff stuff - their library has grown geometrically! I recommend their "Percussion Discussion" series (teacher guide and books for all of the students).

Also, check out (and have the students check out) the resources on the Vic Firth site - Russ has that linked from here, and it's a tremendous resource.

Happy drumming!
Rod
Thanks a lot, Rod. I have already checked out Rowl Off. I know you see my perspective. I want the kids to have fun and feel "cool" and YET, productive. I want them to learn, not just pound!

RSS

Sponsored Links

Latest Activity

Brandon Sanders joined Mike Doll's group
yesterday
Russ Weaver shared their discussion on Twitter
Sunday
Profile Icon6 Birthdays on one day! This is the record for MSBandDirector & HSBandDirector.com BTW MSBandDirector.com and HSBandDirector.com Same.
Sunday
Jonathan Greene is now a member of MS Band Director
Sunday

Birthdays

Birthdays Today

Birthdays Tomorrow

Keep this site alive!

© 2012   Created by GHN.

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service