These articles contain several in-depth posts ranging from basic ideas, like setup and technique, all the way to advanced formulas incorporating the speed of sound, and its equivalent delay, into field music. If you like an abundance of information then check here often for fairly regular updates about the world of percussion.
New articles are always in the works! If you have suggestions for a piece, or would like to get paid to write one for this site, please contact me for more information.
Or you can view a continuous blog here! Streamline through each article without stopping!
Wireless Long Ranger Metronome
Do yourself a favor by welcoming technology into the logistics of your marching ensemble! Think of how many things you carry around from warmup area, to rehearsal spot, to show warmup site, and beyond. Wouldn’t it be easier to just leave the metronome and fifty feet of instrument cable behind? Let me answer that for you: Yes! With Bluetooth technology it is entirely possible and incredibly easy! Take a look at The Bluetooth Audio Receiver by Proxelle on Amazon.com. This handy little tool turns any audio output device into a receiver...
read more“Waldos” Drum Rudiment
I know there are a million different snare drum rudiments out there, with 40 fundamental ones and who knows how many hybrids. But this is a fun and creative rudiment that hides grace-notes within an open roll in a clever way. Most hybrid rudiments are a combination of several basic rudiments, but Waldos are a combination of only a few – which makes it easier to learn, though definitely hard to master. The last diddle of the left hand in the measure is actually a triple stroke, in the same vein as an egg-beater. This take a lot of...
read moreFree Makemusic Finale Drumline Template
Makemusic’s Finale software is incredibly in-depth and powerful, but sometimes you just want to get in and go create right away! Some of the settings and options can be tricky as well, so to alleviate that I created a ready-to-use template that is already set up as soon as you double-click it! So without further adieu – here are the Drumline Template files you’ll need: Download the Finale 2014 Template File Here! Download the Finale 2012 Template File Here! Save those bad boys to your computer and simply open them with...
read moreDownbeat Percussion now selling Books!
Downbeat Percussion, a local Central New York percussion group, has now been selling books at their show booths. More specifically, the two books they now carry are Quadratics: The Multi-tom Focus and also The Field Percussion User Manual by Patrick R. F. Blakley. Downbeat Percussion sets up a bright green booth at many New York State Field Band Conference competitions as well as New York State Percussion Circuit competitions including the Syracuse University Dome show and SRC Arena show respectively. Check out their next booth to find...
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