Percussion: A Course of Study for the Future Band and Orchestra Director

Thomas Siwe

General Info

Year: 2007
Edition: 2nd Edition
Publisher: Media Press Inc.
Cost: Book Cost - $0.00   |   Supplemental Books - $0.00

Source: Siwe, Thomas. Percussion: A Course of Study for the Future Band and Orchestra Director, Second Edition. Chicago, Media Press Inc., 2007.

Chapters

Chapter I:
Chapter II:
Chapter III:
Chapter IV:
Chapter V: Cymbals

A short history of cymbals is given to begin the chapter, along with the nomenclature of a cymbal, and a brief how-to on selecting cymbals. Weights and sizes of cymbals are discussed, as well as gripping crash cymbals, and an approach to keeping time with the bass drum, such as in a march. Suspended cymbals are briefly covered, explaining rolls, single notes and dampening technique. A solo cymbal etude closes the chapter.

Chapter VI: Timpani

Starting out with a brief history of the instrument, the author delves into detail over the models, construction, drum sizes, and nomenclature of the instrument. Mallet choices are discussed accompanied by a picture of ten different kinds of timpani mallets. Holding the mallets and playing styles are covered along with visual examples, as well as dampening and muting the drums. Notation is also illustrated, explaining the identification for rolls, single notes, forte-piano rolls, and sticking. There are several etudes following the chapter, most involving development of technique on the instrument.

Chapter VII: Triangle

The history of the triangle is given, and then immediately begins discussing triangle beater options, ranging from the effects of loud to soft beaters. It then goes on to discuss holders for the triangles, and how to mount it right side up for level playing, or on its side for double beater playing. Performance technique is then discussed, explaining how to hold the triangle in an upright playing position. Two triangle exercises close the chapter.

Chapter VIII: Tambourine

The tambourine begins with a brief history of the instrument, same as the others in the book. Sizes and models of tambourines are then discussed and identified as to looking for a particular sound with the 'jingles'. Gripping the tambourine is discussed next, and that launches us into four different styles for playing four different dynamic levels: 1. Loud/slow passages 2. Soft/slow passages 3. Loud/fast passages 4. Soft/fast passages. The text finishes out the how-to-play section with two types of roll description: shake, and thumb. The chapter ends with a few etudes for tambourine as well as a duet for tambourine and triangle.

Chapter IX: Castanets

Provides images and steps to proper technique and gives the reader exercises and etudes to practice castanets.

Chapter X: Small Wood Instrument

Includes claves, ratchet, slapstick, slit drum, temple blocks, and wood blocks. Lists the playing techniques of each instrument, as well as a brief history behind each instrument.

Chapter XI: Resonant Mental Instruments

Including anvil, cowbell, crotales, gong, and tam-tam. Lists the playing techniques of each instrument, as well as a brief history behind each instrument.

Chapter XII: Mallet Keyboard Instruments

Including marimba, xylophone, glockenspiel, chimes, and vibraphone.

Works for Percussion by this Author

Siwe, Thomas. Percussion: A Course of Study for the Future Band and Orchestra Director Second Edition. Chicago, IL.: Media Press Inc., 2007. - Method Book
Siwe, Thomas. Percussion Ensemble Literature. Champaign, IL.: Media Press, Inc., 1998.
Siwe, Thomas. Percussion Solo Literature. Champaign, IL.: Media Press, Inc., 1995.