The Great Divide: Maximizing Your Percussion Section Full Band Daily Drill Time
The Great Divide: Maximizing Your Percussion Section Full Band Daily Drill Time
by Ralph Hicks and Eric Rath
Educators' Companion
Volume 7
No.
Fall
2019
“The Great Divide: Maximizing Your Percussion Section Full Band Daily Drill Time” by Ralph Hicks and Eric Rath provides strategies to enhance percussionists’ engagement and skill development during daily drill sessions. The authors emphasize the importance of creating a structured routine that fosters independence and prepares percussionists for more advanced musical challenges. Suggestions include incorporating exercises focusing on basic strokes, rudiments, scales, and concert accessories, as well as utilizing percussion ensemble literature to improve ensemble awareness. Additionally, the guide suggests integrating percussionists into the ensemble by doubling wind parts and creating concert setup routines to enhance listening skills and instrument proficiency. Overall, the article aims to help directors optimize their percussion section’s daily drill time for maximum effectiveness and musical growth.