Fine Arts Center: Advanced Percussion (Levels II-IV)
2007-2008 Course Syllabus
School Name: The Greenville Fine Arts Center
Course Name: Advanced Percussion (Levels II-IV)
Instructor: Gary A. Robinson, D.M.A.
Office Room Number: Suite #126
Phone number and extension: 355-2568
Email Address: grobinso@greenville.k12.sc.us
Class Time/Room Number: 1:15-2:10 m-f
Course Description
Advanced Percussion (Levels II-IV) is open to musicians with significant accomplishment in at least two of the five major areas of classical percussion (snare drum, drum set, timpani, two-mallet marimba, and four-mallet marimba) through those with a broad knowledge of classical percussion in general. Previous, successful study in the techniques and literature of these instruments is required, and training in music theory is strongly recommended. Students in Advanced Percussion may choose to deepen their knowledge of an already familiar instrument through intensive study or build fundamental skills on a less familiar instrument. Simultaneous study of at least two instrumental areas, however, is required. Advanced Percussion students may also design a broad study of all five areas, covering a number of semesters, in preparation for a college or university major in percussion. The instructor must approve all courses of study. Students in Advanced Percussion also gain knowledge of the minor percussion instruments (cymbals, bass drum, triangle, tambourine, etcetera) through the rehearsal and performance of percussion ensemble music. Classes include group, instruction, individual instruction, and studio practice time.
Required Textbooks
Books from the following are used for study of the individual instruments at the Fine Arts Center. Depending upon a student's emphasis in class, it may not be necessary to acquire all of them. Plus, some of the books may already be in a student's library. If necessary, please check with Dr. Robinson to find out the exact needs of your student.
Snare drum
• Drum Stuff, the resource book I compiled for my class
• Charlie Wilcoxen: The All American Drummer (both semesters), Ludwig Music Publishing Company
• Anthony Cirone: Portraits in Rhythm, Alfred Publications
Drum Set
• Ted Reed: Progressive Steps for Syncopation, Alfred Publications
• John Riley: The Art of Bop Drumming, Published by Manhattan Music and distributed by Warner Brothers Publications
• John Pickering: The Drummer’s Cookbook, by Mel Bay Publications
Timpani
• Alfred Friese and Alexander Lepak: A Complete Method for Timpani, published by Henry Adler, Inc.
Mallets
• Mitchell Peters: Fundamental Method for Mallets, Book I, Alfred Publishing
• Leigh Howard Stevens: Method of Movement for Mallets, Keyboard Percussion Publications
Though we have references copies on hand at the Fine Arts Center, students are expected to have their own copies of method books they are using in class. Other method books and materials may be required depending in the needs of the individual student. Books may be carried by or ordered from stores in Greenville such Palmetto Music and Pecknel Music, or can be ordered from online vendors. Visit my web log, http://facorchestra.blogspot.com/ and then click on hyperlinks for Percussion Source, Mostly Marimba, or Steve Weiss Music for just three excellent sources for classical percussion books, mallets, instruments, and supplies.
Fee
The Fine Arts Center asks for a $25 fee from each participating student. This fee will come back to students in the form of solo music and additional materials purchased throughout the year.
Materials And Equipment Required For Students In Advanced Percussion
Stick bag with the following minimum:
• one pair of Cooperman Nick Petrella snare drum sticks
• one set of four medium marimba mallets
• one pair of lightweight drum set sticks, such as almost any 5a or 7a or the equivalent stick with a wooden bead
• one pair of brushes
• one pair or medium-hard tympani mallets (Please allow Dr. Robinson to advise before purchase.)
• hearing protection (foam inserts are fine)
• a metronome
There is no end to how many mallets a percussionist can own. Differing models (and even iterations) of timpani and marimba mallets will each elicit a unique character of sound; mature players will own numerous models to realize their artistic intentions. Though percussionists are seldom expected to own their own bass drums, xylophones or tympani, they ARE expected to have mallets to at least play them! At home, students should have whatever is needed for home practice, such a drum pad and access to a drum set. Families who look forward to their student majoring in percussion should seriously consider the purchase of a good practice marimba, such as the Adams 4.3 octave “Soloist” marimba with Padouk Bars (model MSPV43). Available at a competitive price from a local instrument dealer or from one of the online companies listed above, the Adams costs about a much as a moderate quality flute or clarinet, and represents an excellent and lasting value.
All Students Are Expected To Practice At Home
Advanced Percussion students know this already. There are no exceptions to this “law” because the physical and neurological development that is a part of playing an instrument requires a great deal individual problem solving and repetition. Two hours daily – combining studio time at the Fine Arts Center and home practice – is a good benchmark. (When I have the “liberty” of practicing as much as I need to, I personally find that three hours of practice a day insures that I will improve noticeably.)
Tentative Course Outline
Each quarter, Advanced Percussion students will complete a composition and method materials for each instrument being studied, as well as an accompanying essay (see below). Students will perform repertoire and method materials at the end of each quarter. Additionally, the class will rehearse and perform at least one work for percussion ensemble for each term.
Term I: August 20 through October 24
• Preparation of demonstrations for Lecture-Demonstration No. 1
• Lecture-Demonstration No. 1 (informal recital); Thursday, October 25, 2007; FAC Recital Hall, 7:30 PM
Term II: October 25 through January 15
• Preparation of demonstrations for recital
• Winds & Percussion Recital No. 1; Wednesday, January 16, 2008; FAC Recital Hall, 7:30 PM
Term III: January 16 through March 20
• Preparation of demonstrations for Lecture-Demonstration No. 2
• Lecture-Demonstration No. 2 (informal recital); Thursday, March 20, 2008; FAC Recital Hall, 7:30 PM
Term IV: March 21 through May 23 (last day for underclassmen at Fine Arts Center)
• Preparation of demonstrations for recital
• Winds & Percussion Recital No. 2; Wednesday, May 7, 2008; FAC Recital Hall, 7:30 PM
Major Assignments and Projects
• Each week, students receive a quiz grade on some aspect of current class work.
• Each term, students will design an essay, research paper, or Power Point presentation, covering some aspect of their current area of study. Possible topics include history of their particular instrument, biographical notes on the composer, structural or technical analysis of a work, significant performers on this instrument, and so on. Students will share their results with classmates along with their end-of-term performance exam.
• At the end of the first and third quarters, each student will be responsible to perform, for his/her peers, a program consisting of materials as representative of the preceding nine weeks. This “jury” will be counted as a term exam.
• At the end of the second and fourth quarters, each student will be responsible to perform, for his/her peers, a program consisting of materials as representative of the preceding semester. This “jury” will be counted as a semester exam.
• Each term students will perform in either a Lecture Demonstration or a formal Recital. Successful participation will contribute an additional 100-point test grade to the term average.
Other
Attendance and Tardy Policy: refer to Fine Arts Center handbook
Classroom Rules and Expectations:
• Report on time to each class. Please let me know in advance if you must miss the class for any reason.
• each class, bring all appropriate sticks and mallets, your class anthology, other current class materials, and a pencil.
• if you are asked to work on your own or in a small group, use your time wisely and constructively.
• Foods and beverages (except for bottle water) are prohibited at the Fine Arts Center.
• Strive always to do and to be your best
Plan for Routine Communication With Parents
• Occasional e-letter sent to my students and families with assignments, schedules, and notices of events
• Posting of the above and additional information on my blog: http://www.facorchestra.blogspot.com/
• Quarterly Fine Arts Center Newsletter is mailed to all parents of Fine Arts Center students.
• Parents are contacted promptly in the event of academic or disciplinary problems.
• A log of parent phone calls is maintained in teacher's office.