An organized, intensive and inclusive course of study for Snare Drum, Xylophone, Marimba (two and four mallets) Drumset and Timpani. Students will also develop skills with Hand Drums, Vibraphone and Orchestra Bells.
Styles included are Concert-styled percussion playing (wind ensemble/orchestra) as related to above instruments (including the standard orchestral excerpts), rudimental snare drumming and styles of music related to the drumset
There are 24 units, which basically represents 8 years of study (two semesters and summer, annually. Additionally there are 6 blocks of study that need to be passed, but are not considered semester long pursuits. The grade levels assigned are meant to roughly coincide with the student’s age and approximate school grade.
Students will gain the percussion skills needed to consider themselves excellent players as well as meet the requirements for top level music organizations in the Twin Cities such as Minnesota Youth Symphony, Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies, All-State Band/Orchestra and auditioned opportunities at MacPhail Center for Music and elsewhere. The skills gained and developed are in line with the requirements to audition successfully for top-level undergraduate music schools throughout the nation.
Grade 5 Snare Drum
Adjust height of Snare Drum
Perform f, mf and p dynamics using quarter notes at 90 bpm (4 hits per dynamic and then change to next dynamic, after you finish p, rest 4 beats and repeat exercise. This exercise is 32 beats long)
Perform the following Rudiments: Single Stroke Roll, Single Paradiddle, Flam, Ruff, 5 and 9 stroke rolls (multiple bounce and double bounce (open)). Demonstrate rudiments in traditional open and closed fashion, attaining a moderate tempo.
Perform 3 etudes, (can be excerpts) showing steady tempo -using quarter, eighth, sixteenth note rhythms in 4/4, 3/4, 2/4 with quarter speed at 80 bpm, 8 bar minimum length of each etude. Each etude should contain quarter, eighths and sixteenth note rhythms.
Perform etude in 6/8 (can be excerpt) showing steady tempo using dotted quarter, quarter and eighth note rhythms, dotted quarter equals 80 bpm. 8 bar minimum.
Grade 6 Snare Drum
Demonstrate ability to correct the following snare drum tuning issues, correct too loose of head, correct too loose of snare wires. Top head ringing too much.
Perform the standard “Countdown” exercise (RH 8, LH8, RH7, LH7, RH6, LH6, etc.) thinking eighth notes. Quarter note tempo is 120 bpm. Demonstrate two different dynamic levels f and p. Student will be judged on evenness of hands and steady tempo.
Perform the following Rudiments: The Long Roll, The Multiple Bounce Roll, 7, 13 and 17 stroke rolls, Flam Paradiddle, Flamacue, Flam Accent, Single Drag Tap, Double Drag Tap and Lesson 25. Demonstrate rudiments in traditional open and closed manner. Student can be quizzed on any rudiments required from Grade 5 Snare Drum.
Perform etude/solo (2/4 or 4/4) showing 3 different roll lengths, flam paradiddle, flamacue and lesson 25. Quarter equals 80 bpm minimum. Rolls can be performed as open or multiple bounce. 32 bar minimum.
Perform etude/solo in 6/8 showing single drag, double drag, flam accent and two roll lengths. Dotted Quarter equals 60 bpm minimum. 32 bar minimum.
Perform “The Army 2/4 (Biddy Oats)” at Quarter equals 90 bpm, standard drum beat for 2/4 March Tunes such as Yankee Doodle
Grade 7 Snare Drum
Discuss selection of a “good” pair of concert snare drum sticks. Discuss practice pad variations (pro’s and con’s of the different manufacturers i.e Real Feel pad versus Remo Practice Pad).
Perform the following Rudiments; 10, 11, 15 stroke rolls, Single/Double/Triple Ratamcues, Drag Paradiddles #1 and #2, Student can be quizzed on any rudiments required from Grade 5/6 Snare Drum.
Perform either Connecticut Halftime or Downfall of Paris at quarter = 84 bpm minimum speed
Perform The Three Camps (with clear/clean double bouncing and well-defined single stroke accent) quarter = 120 minimum speed
Perform solo/etude in 6/8 using 10 rudiments, dotted quarter = 70 bpm minimum and 32 bar minimum length
Grade 8 Snare Drum
Perform the following rudiments open and close; Single Stroke Four, Triple Stroke Roll, Double Paradiddle, Flam Tap, Swiss Army Triplet, Student can be quizzed on any rudiment required in Grade 5/6/7 Snare Drum
Speak to the concept of putting on a snare drum heads (top and bottom). Speak to the concept of tuning the snare drum top and bottom heads.
Perform multiple bounce (concert/buzz) roll for 30 seconds or so. Begin roll mezzo-forte (as if the beginning of the Star Spangled Banner) hold this dynamic for a bit crescendo to Forte hold that dynamic for a bit then begin diminundo to piano hold piano for a bit and then crescendo back to mf. Quality of roll should be considered smooth and in control throughout the entire roll.
Perform snare etude or solo in 4/4 or 3/4 that has, 4 different rolls lengths (multiple bounce), 4 different dynamic levels. Eighth/Sixteenth notes and rests, 32 bar minimum, bpm 100. (i.e. Intermediate Snare Drum Studies, Mitchell Peters)
Perform snare etude or solo in 6/8 that has flams/ruffs/4 different dynamics, dotted quarter bpm 80, 32 bar minimum. (i.e. Intermediate Snare Drum Studies, Mitchell Peters)
Tune Bb and A on 29” timpani using a piano for reference
Grade 9 Snare Drum
Perform the following rudiments open and close; Six Stroke Roll, Triple Paradiddle, Flammed Mill, Flam Paradiddle-Diddle, Student can be quizzed on any rudiment required in Grade 5/6/7/8 Snare Drum
Perform the Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Cymbal parts to Sousa’s Stars and Stripes and Liberty Bell Marches student will perform along with a recording.
Perform Orchestra Triangle part for Rienzi Overture –Wagner
Perform Orchestral Excerpts for Snare Drum (Bolero, Sheherazade 3rd Mvt)
Ability to demonstrate any sticking pattern from Stick Control Pages 4-24, with appropriate tempo
Grade 10 Snare Drum
Perform the following rudiments open and close; Single Stroke 7, Paradiddle-Diddle, Pataflafla, Inverted Flam Tap, Flam Drag, Single Dragadiddle, Student can be quizzed on any of the 40 Essential Snare Drum Rudiments.
Ability to demonstrate any exercise from Stick Control Pages 25-47 with appropriate tempo
Perform Orchestra Excerpts (Concerto for Orchestra –Bartok, Sheherazade 4th Mvt)
Perform Triangle part to Nutcracker Overture
Perform Tambourine part to Carnival Overture (first 16 bars)
Perform two solos from Modern Rudimental Swing Solos -Wilcoxen (one in 2/4 and one in 6/8) or from All-American Drummer Solos 150 Rudimental Solos -Wilcoxen (#121-#150) bpm 100 minimum for 2/4 and 80 bpm for 6/8.
Grade 11 Snare Drum
Student can be quizzed on any of the 40 Essential Snare Drum Rudiments
Perform Orchestral Timpani excerpt Mozart Symphony #39, 1st Mvt. (beginning through measure 21) tune using A tuning fork
Perform Triangle part to Roman Carnival Overture -Berlioz
Perform Tambourine Trepak -Tchakikovsky
Perform Cymbal part to Rachminioff Piano Concerto #1
Perform Snare Part to Shostokovich Symphony #10
Ability to demonstrate any exercise from Accents and Rebounds (Stone) Pages 4-23 with appropriate tempo
Perform one complete movment of a “Concert” styled snare drum etude or solo (i.e. Portraits in Rhythm –Cirone, 6 Unaccompanied Snare Drum Solos –Colgrass, Three Dances for Snare Drum -Benson
Perform one “Rudimental” styled solo (i.e. Savage Drum Method, Davilla, Rudimental Cookbook, solo should be deemed more difficult than a solo from All-American Drummer Solos 150 Rudimental Solos -Wilcoxen (#121-#150)
Grade 12 Snare Drum
Student can be quizzed on any of the 40 Essential Snare Drum Rudiments
Perform Timpani excerpt, Tchaikovsky 4th Symphony, 1st Mvt. 2 before T to 3 before U, tune from A tuning fork
Ability to demonstrate any exercise from Accents and Rebounds (Stone) 25-47 with appropriate tempo
Perform Triangle part to Lizst Piano Concerto
Perform Tambourine Carnival Overture complete (Espana?)
Perform Cymbals Night on Bald Mountain
Perform Snare Drum Lt. Kije, 1st Mvt ( all)
Perform one “Concert” styled snare drum etude or solo from 12 Etudes –Delecluse or Advanced Studies for Snare Drum –Peters
Perform a “Rudimental” styled snare drum etude or solo from the Rudimental Cookbook by Edward Freytag #17-#25 (should be deemed more difficult than what student performed from Rudimental solo in Grade 11)
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Grade 5 Drumset
Describe hearing protection options
Adjust height of Hi Hat; Adjust height/tilt of Snare Drum and Toms
Perform 2 different rock beats using eighth note cymbal ride with steady tempo (using snare (2+4), bass drum (quarters/eighths) and right hand), one at a slow tempo and one at a medium tempo. Add light fills. Minimum; 8 bar phrase. Latter performed by memory.
Perform 1 rock beat using eighth note triplets in right hand with steady tempo (Snare on 2+4, Bass Drum as quarters and eighths). Medium Tempo with light fills.
Perform Jazz style, using quarters on bass and snare being quarter and eighth note (swung) patterns. Medium Tempo
Play Snare Rhythm while keeping time with the Bass Drum ( i.e. Alfred Book 1) Tempo is to remain steady, 16 bar minimum. Snare rhythm should contain quarter, eighths, and sixteenths type rhythms.
Grade 6 Drumset
Describe Drumset Tuning Concepts (dry rock sound, full bodied/ringing jazz sound)
Perform 2 different rock beats using eighth note cymbal ride with 16th note snare and bass drum figures (one rock beat should have more bass drum notes than snare and then the reverse for the 2nd rock beat (more snare notes than bass notes). Add light fills. Minimum; 8 bar phrase. Latter performed by memory.
Perform 2 different rock beats using 16th note cymbal ride (one beat performed with just one hand playing 16th notes the 2nd rock beat performed using alternating hands on the hi hat.) Add light fills. Minimum; 8 bar phrase. Latter performed by memory.
Show a basic groove and light fills for a medium tempo jazz feel and a medium tempo bossa nova. 8 bar minimum, by memory.
Perform one etude or solo written out for the drumset (not a chart). Student will wear headphones and have to play with metronome. (i.e. Drumset Etudes Book 1, Joe Holmquist or Realistic Rock by Carmine Appice) 16 bar minimum.
Grade 7 Drumset
Play the following time feels with groove and fill; Fast Rock, Slow 12/8 Rock, Standard Shuffle, Student can be quizzed on any time feels required from Grade 6 Drumset. 8 bar minimum each style, by memory.
Play a basic brush groove, medium tempo, jazz styling
Perform one etude or solo written out for the drumset (not a chart). Student will wear headphones and have to play with metronome. (i.e. Drumset Etudes Book 1, Joe Holmquist, or Realistic Rock by Carmine Appice) 32 bar minimum (if etude is shorter, repeat as needed to get the minimum length of 32 bars.
Play along with and within the style (pretty much the same fills/groove and at the same time of one “golden oldie” or “classic” rock song (Beatles, Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley)
Grade 8 Drumset
Demonstrate ½ Feel by showing a 4 beat rock feel transitioning into a ½ time feel, quarter beat stays constant. (8 bar phrase with 4 bars of 4 beat feel then 4 bars of a ½ time feel, repeat this for a total of 16 bars)
Show groove and fill with appropriate tempos for Jazz Waltz, Samba, Cha-Cha and a 6/8 Afro-Cuban. 8 bar minimum. Student can be quizzed on any time feels required from Grade 6/7 Drumset
Trade 4’s with yourself in a 4/4 jazz style, tempo of your choice. 32 bars.
Perform one etude or solo written out for the drumset. Student will wear headphones and have to play with metronome. (i.e. Drumset Etudes Book 1, Joe Holmquist)
Play a chart along with music that is recorded (i.e. Groove Essentials by Tommy Igoe) 90 second minimum.
Grade 9 Drumset
Mimic Sing, Sing Sing solo by Gene Krupa, by memory, 8 bar minimum
Mimic Wipeout solo by the Ventures
Play a chart along with music that is recorded (i.e. Groove Essentials by Tommy Igoe or The Art of Bop Drumming by John Reilly) 2 minute minimum
Grade 10 Drumset
Mimic “Take-Five” solo by Joe Morello
Transcribe and perform song of choice, should be considered somewhat notey.
Improvise solo (based on groove and fill) that changes through 4 styles and keep a constant quarter pulse (i.e. Rock, Jazz, Latin, Funk)
Grade 11 Drumset
Play transcription of “ The Drum Also Waltz’s” Max Roach
Mimic In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida solo by Ron Bushy of Iron Butterfly
Improvise solo (based on groove and fill: that changes through 6 styles)
Play 4-Way Coordination Etude/Solo or one of the 10 solos from Rick Latham’s Advance Funk Studies
Grade 12 Drumset
Play transcription of Tom Sawyer by Rush as performed by Neil Pert
Compose and notate solo that demonstrates your best stuff. 3-minute minimum. Quality of manuscript should be easily read. Either hand or computer generated.
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Grade 5 Two Mallets (xylophone/marimba)
Major Scales C, F, Bb, Eb, G, D, A. One octave, rhythm played as eighth notes, tempo quarter equals 100, by memory, error free.
Select one of the following folk songs to play by memory (just melody) in all of the above mentioned keys by memory; Mary Had a Little Lamb, Twinkle Star, London Bridge
Perform two etudes/solos (unaccompanied) using quarter and eighth notes in 3/4 and 4/4, quarter equals 80, steady tempo and high degree of accuracy, 8 bar minimum. Use two different keys.
Grade 6 Two Mallets (xylophone/marimba)
Major Scales Ab, Db, E, B, One octave, rhythm played as eighth notes, tempo quarter equals 100, by memory, error free. Student can be quizzed on any scale required from Grade 5 Mallets.
Select one of the following songs to play by memory (just melody) and in all the following keys C, F, Bb, G and D. Happy Birthday, America the Beautiful, Take Me Out to the Ballgame
Perform two etudes/solos (unaccompanied) using quarter, eighth and sixteenth notes in 2/4 quarter equals 80 bpm minimum and 6/8, dotted quarter equals 70 bpm, steady tempo and high degree of accuracy, 16 bar minimum. One etude needs to be with 3 or more flats or sharps.
Grade 7 Two Mallets (xylophone/marimba)
Student draws the Circle of 5th’s
Student can be asked to play any of the 13 Major Scales, 2 octaves in eighth notes, quarter beat is 120 bpm minimum (i.e. Vic Firth Mallet Technique Study #1 or similar)
Student can be asked to play any of the 13 Major Triads, 1 octave (eighth triplets with quarter note = 100) (i.e. Vic Firth Mallet Technique Study #5)
Play a bass line in a 12 bar blues (student selects key) (2 repetitions for a 24 bar total)
Play a lead line in a 12 bar blues (student selects key –can be the same key as bass line) (2 repetitions for a 24 bar total)
Perform two etudes/solos (unaccompanied) using quarter, eighth and sixteenth notes. One etude in a duple feel at 90 bpm minimum and a 2nd etude in compound meter at dotted quarter equals 80 bpm, both need to show a steady tempo and high degree of accuracy, 32 bar minimum. One etude needs to be with 4 or more flats or sharps.
Grade 8 Four Mallets
Play Major Scales (C, F, Bb, Eb, G, D, A,) 1 octave using 2,3,4,1,2,3,4 sticking (scale in eighth notes quarter equals 120 bpm)
Play Major Triads (C, F, Bb, Eb, G, D, A), 1 octave using 1,2,3,4,2,3,4 sticking Bb sticking is 1,3,4,1,2,3,1 eighth equals 66 bpm, Arpeggio performed as 16th Triplets (LHS Method of Movement #431)
Play 2 etudes, 2 different keys, 2 different time signatures with appropriate tempo indications (i.e. Fundamental Method for Mallets Book 1, Mitchell Peters Pages 150-155)
Play solo using single independent and or single alternating strokes or double vertical strokes. 16 measure minimum. Solos along the lines of Sea Refractions –Mitchell Peters, Suite Mexicana –Keith Larson, Funny Marimba Book 1 –Zivkovic (student needs to subscribe to all tempo indications in solo (going slower than indicated is a negative) Opening tempo of Sea Refractions is a good example of many students going slower than what is indicated.
Grade 9 Four Mallets
Play Major Scales Ab, Db, E, B, 2 octaves using 2,3,4,1,2,3,4 sticking (Gb 1,2,3,4,2,3,4) Scale in 16ths bpm = 80
Play Major Triads Ab, Db, E, B, 2 octaves using 1,2,3,4,2,3,4 sticking. Arpeggio in 16th Triplets with quarter beats at 72 bpm
Student can be quizzed on any scales and triads from Grade 8, Four Mallets (two octaves required)
Play 2 etudes, 2 different keys 2 different time signature with appropriate tempo indications (i.e. Fundamental Method for Mallets Book 1, Mitchell Peters Pages 156-161)
Play solo using single independent and single alternating strokes and double vertical strokes and traditional roll. Yellow after the Rain –Mitchell Peters, 7 Brazilian Children Songs, Mexican Variations Mvt.1 –George Frock.
Grade 10 Two and Four Mallets
Play (two mallets) Harmonic Minor Scales and Triads through 3 sharps and flats, 2 octaves (i.e. Vic Firth Mallet Technique Study #8, bpm minimum is quarter = 120, triads should be thought of as eighth note triplets with the quarter beat being 76 bpm, i.e. Vic firth Mallet Technique Study #18
Play (four mallets) the following exercises from LHS Method of Movement; Exercise #1, #70-#77, #193, (any major key) or similar such as Fundamental Method for Mallets by Mitchell Peter Book1. LHS #1 = MP Book 1 Pg. 138 #1 and #2. LHS #70-77 = MP Pg. 146 all. LHS #193 = MP Pg. 130 #1. Tempos should be considered moderate for all exercises.
Play the following Orchestral excerpt. Colas Breugnon Overture by Kabalevsky (as found in the Modern School for Xylophone by Morris Goldenberg. Student will be asked to play along with a recording. Student will be judged on accuracy, musicality and ensemble playing.
Play 2 etudes, 2, different keys, 2 different time signatures with appropriate tempo indications (i.e. Fundamental Method for Mallets Book 1, Mitchell Peters Pages 162-166)
Play 4 mallet solo using single independent, single alternating strokes and double vertical strokes and traditional roll. Two minute minimum.
Play 2 mallet solo; Sonata for Marimba and Piano (Mvts 1 or 3) –Tanner, Furioso and Valse –Hatch, Violin Sonatas by Handel, Flute Sonatas by Bach (Handel and Bach can be found in the book Masterpieces for Marimba edited by Thomas McMillian
Grade 11 Two and Four Mallets
Play (two mallets) all Harmonic Minor Scales and Triads (i.e Vic Firth Study #8 and #16 bpm is minimum stated tempo in Vic Firth Mallet Technique)
Play (four mallets) 3 octave major arpeggios (all) as demonstrated in LHS #430 (or similar)(arpeggios are thought of as eight note triplets with the quarter beat being 66 bpm minimum
Play one four mallet etude by Clair Musser
Play one Rag by George H. Green or one two mallet etude by Clair Musser
Play Appalachian Spring by Copland on Xylophone. Student will be asked to play along with a recording. Student will be judged on accuracy, musicality and ensemble playing.
Grade 12 Two and Four mallets
Play (two mallets) melodic minor scales through 3 sharps and flats (i.e. Vic Firth Study #9)
Play (four mallets) all major triads LHS #202 or #203; LHS #271 right hand and left hand, any major scale
Play Porgy and Bess on Xylophone by Gershwin as found in the Modern School for Xylophone book by Morris Goldenberg. Student will be asked to play along with a recording. Student will be judged on accuracy, musicality and ensemble playing.
Play 1st or 3rd Movements of the Concertino for Marimba and Orchestra –Creston (or similar)
Play 2nd Movement of Concertino for Marimba and Orchestra –Creston or any movement of the Concerto for Marimba (#1) by Ney Rosauro (or similar, using 4 mallets)
Perform etude for Six Mallets –Robert Chenoweth (or similar six mallets)
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Block A Timpani
Student will be asked to tune the following standard pitch combinations; A-D, A-E, G-C and G-D, Bb-Eb, Bb-F using A tuning fork
Perform the D major (32-29), F major (29-26) and Bb major (26-23) scales using the two timpani indicated in brackets
Perform a roll over a period of approximately 30” from pp-ff and then back down to pp. Roll quality should be smooth throughout.
Perform the following etude (or similar) to demonstrate pedal technique.
Etude #6 from The Solo Timpanist by Vic Firth
Perform two of the three movements of the Sonata for Timpani –John Beck (or similar)
Block B Vibraphone
Perform etude or solo that uses stick damping/pedaling and is a minimum of two minutes duration (two or four mallets)
Block C Multiple Percussion
Perform etude or solo that uses 3 or more unique percussion instruments (triangle snare drum and tom-tom (not 3 toms) and is two minutes of duration. Not a drumset solo. Examples of this style repertoire would include Morris Dance -William Kraft, The Twittering Machine –Al Payson, Solos for Multiple Percussion –Ney Rosauro
Block D Orchestra Bells
Perform 2 orchestral bell excerpts such as Magic Flute and Sorcerer’s apprentice or 1 mvt. of a bell solo such as
Block E Hand Drums (Conga, Bongo, Djembe)
Perform solo (written out) or demonstrate 3 standard grooves for your instrument
Block F Frame Drum ala Glen Velez
CAN YOU?
30 Minute Recital consisting of repertoire appropriate for a college audition
Repertoire should include five of the following categories:
Work for 2 mallets (keyboard)
Work for 4 mallets (keyboard)
Timpani Solo
Snare Drum Solo “concert style”
Snare Drum Solo “rudimental style”
Drumset Solo or feature (bringing your jazz combo/rock group in to play with you is fine)
Multiple Percussion Solo (a collection of dissimilar percussion instruments) ( piece for one snare, one triangle, one woodblock –yes) ( piece for three suspended cymbals –no)
Hand Drum Solo (frame drum, djembe, rik etc.) including congas and bongos solo or feature
Styles included are Concert-styled percussion playing (wind ensemble/orchestra) as related to above instruments (including the standard orchestral excerpts), rudimental snare drumming and styles of music related to the drumset
There are 24 units, which basically represents 8 years of study (two semesters and summer, annually. Additionally there are 6 blocks of study that need to be passed, but are not considered semester long pursuits. The grade levels assigned are meant to roughly coincide with the student’s age and approximate school grade.
Students will gain the percussion skills needed to consider themselves excellent players as well as meet the requirements for top level music organizations in the Twin Cities such as Minnesota Youth Symphony, Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies, All-State Band/Orchestra and auditioned opportunities at MacPhail Center for Music and elsewhere. The skills gained and developed are in line with the requirements to audition successfully for top-level undergraduate music schools throughout the nation.
Grade 5 Snare Drum
Adjust height of Snare Drum
Perform f, mf and p dynamics using quarter notes at 90 bpm (4 hits per dynamic and then change to next dynamic, after you finish p, rest 4 beats and repeat exercise. This exercise is 32 beats long)
Perform the following Rudiments: Single Stroke Roll, Single Paradiddle, Flam, Ruff, 5 and 9 stroke rolls (multiple bounce and double bounce (open)). Demonstrate rudiments in traditional open and closed fashion, attaining a moderate tempo.
Perform 3 etudes, (can be excerpts) showing steady tempo -using quarter, eighth, sixteenth note rhythms in 4/4, 3/4, 2/4 with quarter speed at 80 bpm, 8 bar minimum length of each etude. Each etude should contain quarter, eighths and sixteenth note rhythms.
Perform etude in 6/8 (can be excerpt) showing steady tempo using dotted quarter, quarter and eighth note rhythms, dotted quarter equals 80 bpm. 8 bar minimum.
Grade 6 Snare Drum
Demonstrate ability to correct the following snare drum tuning issues, correct too loose of head, correct too loose of snare wires. Top head ringing too much.
Perform the standard “Countdown” exercise (RH 8, LH8, RH7, LH7, RH6, LH6, etc.) thinking eighth notes. Quarter note tempo is 120 bpm. Demonstrate two different dynamic levels f and p. Student will be judged on evenness of hands and steady tempo.
Perform the following Rudiments: The Long Roll, The Multiple Bounce Roll, 7, 13 and 17 stroke rolls, Flam Paradiddle, Flamacue, Flam Accent, Single Drag Tap, Double Drag Tap and Lesson 25. Demonstrate rudiments in traditional open and closed manner. Student can be quizzed on any rudiments required from Grade 5 Snare Drum.
Perform etude/solo (2/4 or 4/4) showing 3 different roll lengths, flam paradiddle, flamacue and lesson 25. Quarter equals 80 bpm minimum. Rolls can be performed as open or multiple bounce. 32 bar minimum.
Perform etude/solo in 6/8 showing single drag, double drag, flam accent and two roll lengths. Dotted Quarter equals 60 bpm minimum. 32 bar minimum.
Perform “The Army 2/4 (Biddy Oats)” at Quarter equals 90 bpm, standard drum beat for 2/4 March Tunes such as Yankee Doodle
Grade 7 Snare Drum
Discuss selection of a “good” pair of concert snare drum sticks. Discuss practice pad variations (pro’s and con’s of the different manufacturers i.e Real Feel pad versus Remo Practice Pad).
Perform the following Rudiments; 10, 11, 15 stroke rolls, Single/Double/Triple Ratamcues, Drag Paradiddles #1 and #2, Student can be quizzed on any rudiments required from Grade 5/6 Snare Drum.
Perform either Connecticut Halftime or Downfall of Paris at quarter = 84 bpm minimum speed
Perform The Three Camps (with clear/clean double bouncing and well-defined single stroke accent) quarter = 120 minimum speed
Perform solo/etude in 6/8 using 10 rudiments, dotted quarter = 70 bpm minimum and 32 bar minimum length
Grade 8 Snare Drum
Perform the following rudiments open and close; Single Stroke Four, Triple Stroke Roll, Double Paradiddle, Flam Tap, Swiss Army Triplet, Student can be quizzed on any rudiment required in Grade 5/6/7 Snare Drum
Speak to the concept of putting on a snare drum heads (top and bottom). Speak to the concept of tuning the snare drum top and bottom heads.
Perform multiple bounce (concert/buzz) roll for 30 seconds or so. Begin roll mezzo-forte (as if the beginning of the Star Spangled Banner) hold this dynamic for a bit crescendo to Forte hold that dynamic for a bit then begin diminundo to piano hold piano for a bit and then crescendo back to mf. Quality of roll should be considered smooth and in control throughout the entire roll.
Perform snare etude or solo in 4/4 or 3/4 that has, 4 different rolls lengths (multiple bounce), 4 different dynamic levels. Eighth/Sixteenth notes and rests, 32 bar minimum, bpm 100. (i.e. Intermediate Snare Drum Studies, Mitchell Peters)
Perform snare etude or solo in 6/8 that has flams/ruffs/4 different dynamics, dotted quarter bpm 80, 32 bar minimum. (i.e. Intermediate Snare Drum Studies, Mitchell Peters)
Tune Bb and A on 29” timpani using a piano for reference
Grade 9 Snare Drum
Perform the following rudiments open and close; Six Stroke Roll, Triple Paradiddle, Flammed Mill, Flam Paradiddle-Diddle, Student can be quizzed on any rudiment required in Grade 5/6/7/8 Snare Drum
Perform the Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Cymbal parts to Sousa’s Stars and Stripes and Liberty Bell Marches student will perform along with a recording.
Perform Orchestra Triangle part for Rienzi Overture –Wagner
Perform Orchestral Excerpts for Snare Drum (Bolero, Sheherazade 3rd Mvt)
Ability to demonstrate any sticking pattern from Stick Control Pages 4-24, with appropriate tempo
Grade 10 Snare Drum
Perform the following rudiments open and close; Single Stroke 7, Paradiddle-Diddle, Pataflafla, Inverted Flam Tap, Flam Drag, Single Dragadiddle, Student can be quizzed on any of the 40 Essential Snare Drum Rudiments.
Ability to demonstrate any exercise from Stick Control Pages 25-47 with appropriate tempo
Perform Orchestra Excerpts (Concerto for Orchestra –Bartok, Sheherazade 4th Mvt)
Perform Triangle part to Nutcracker Overture
Perform Tambourine part to Carnival Overture (first 16 bars)
Perform two solos from Modern Rudimental Swing Solos -Wilcoxen (one in 2/4 and one in 6/8) or from All-American Drummer Solos 150 Rudimental Solos -Wilcoxen (#121-#150) bpm 100 minimum for 2/4 and 80 bpm for 6/8.
Grade 11 Snare Drum
Student can be quizzed on any of the 40 Essential Snare Drum Rudiments
Perform Orchestral Timpani excerpt Mozart Symphony #39, 1st Mvt. (beginning through measure 21) tune using A tuning fork
Perform Triangle part to Roman Carnival Overture -Berlioz
Perform Tambourine Trepak -Tchakikovsky
Perform Cymbal part to Rachminioff Piano Concerto #1
Perform Snare Part to Shostokovich Symphony #10
Ability to demonstrate any exercise from Accents and Rebounds (Stone) Pages 4-23 with appropriate tempo
Perform one complete movment of a “Concert” styled snare drum etude or solo (i.e. Portraits in Rhythm –Cirone, 6 Unaccompanied Snare Drum Solos –Colgrass, Three Dances for Snare Drum -Benson
Perform one “Rudimental” styled solo (i.e. Savage Drum Method, Davilla, Rudimental Cookbook, solo should be deemed more difficult than a solo from All-American Drummer Solos 150 Rudimental Solos -Wilcoxen (#121-#150)
Grade 12 Snare Drum
Student can be quizzed on any of the 40 Essential Snare Drum Rudiments
Perform Timpani excerpt, Tchaikovsky 4th Symphony, 1st Mvt. 2 before T to 3 before U, tune from A tuning fork
Ability to demonstrate any exercise from Accents and Rebounds (Stone) 25-47 with appropriate tempo
Perform Triangle part to Lizst Piano Concerto
Perform Tambourine Carnival Overture complete (Espana?)
Perform Cymbals Night on Bald Mountain
Perform Snare Drum Lt. Kije, 1st Mvt ( all)
Perform one “Concert” styled snare drum etude or solo from 12 Etudes –Delecluse or Advanced Studies for Snare Drum –Peters
Perform a “Rudimental” styled snare drum etude or solo from the Rudimental Cookbook by Edward Freytag #17-#25 (should be deemed more difficult than what student performed from Rudimental solo in Grade 11)
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Grade 5 Drumset
Describe hearing protection options
Adjust height of Hi Hat; Adjust height/tilt of Snare Drum and Toms
Perform 2 different rock beats using eighth note cymbal ride with steady tempo (using snare (2+4), bass drum (quarters/eighths) and right hand), one at a slow tempo and one at a medium tempo. Add light fills. Minimum; 8 bar phrase. Latter performed by memory.
Perform 1 rock beat using eighth note triplets in right hand with steady tempo (Snare on 2+4, Bass Drum as quarters and eighths). Medium Tempo with light fills.
Perform Jazz style, using quarters on bass and snare being quarter and eighth note (swung) patterns. Medium Tempo
Play Snare Rhythm while keeping time with the Bass Drum ( i.e. Alfred Book 1) Tempo is to remain steady, 16 bar minimum. Snare rhythm should contain quarter, eighths, and sixteenths type rhythms.
Grade 6 Drumset
Describe Drumset Tuning Concepts (dry rock sound, full bodied/ringing jazz sound)
Perform 2 different rock beats using eighth note cymbal ride with 16th note snare and bass drum figures (one rock beat should have more bass drum notes than snare and then the reverse for the 2nd rock beat (more snare notes than bass notes). Add light fills. Minimum; 8 bar phrase. Latter performed by memory.
Perform 2 different rock beats using 16th note cymbal ride (one beat performed with just one hand playing 16th notes the 2nd rock beat performed using alternating hands on the hi hat.) Add light fills. Minimum; 8 bar phrase. Latter performed by memory.
Show a basic groove and light fills for a medium tempo jazz feel and a medium tempo bossa nova. 8 bar minimum, by memory.
Perform one etude or solo written out for the drumset (not a chart). Student will wear headphones and have to play with metronome. (i.e. Drumset Etudes Book 1, Joe Holmquist or Realistic Rock by Carmine Appice) 16 bar minimum.
Grade 7 Drumset
Play the following time feels with groove and fill; Fast Rock, Slow 12/8 Rock, Standard Shuffle, Student can be quizzed on any time feels required from Grade 6 Drumset. 8 bar minimum each style, by memory.
Play a basic brush groove, medium tempo, jazz styling
Perform one etude or solo written out for the drumset (not a chart). Student will wear headphones and have to play with metronome. (i.e. Drumset Etudes Book 1, Joe Holmquist, or Realistic Rock by Carmine Appice) 32 bar minimum (if etude is shorter, repeat as needed to get the minimum length of 32 bars.
Play along with and within the style (pretty much the same fills/groove and at the same time of one “golden oldie” or “classic” rock song (Beatles, Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley)
Grade 8 Drumset
Demonstrate ½ Feel by showing a 4 beat rock feel transitioning into a ½ time feel, quarter beat stays constant. (8 bar phrase with 4 bars of 4 beat feel then 4 bars of a ½ time feel, repeat this for a total of 16 bars)
Show groove and fill with appropriate tempos for Jazz Waltz, Samba, Cha-Cha and a 6/8 Afro-Cuban. 8 bar minimum. Student can be quizzed on any time feels required from Grade 6/7 Drumset
Trade 4’s with yourself in a 4/4 jazz style, tempo of your choice. 32 bars.
Perform one etude or solo written out for the drumset. Student will wear headphones and have to play with metronome. (i.e. Drumset Etudes Book 1, Joe Holmquist)
Play a chart along with music that is recorded (i.e. Groove Essentials by Tommy Igoe) 90 second minimum.
Grade 9 Drumset
Mimic Sing, Sing Sing solo by Gene Krupa, by memory, 8 bar minimum
Mimic Wipeout solo by the Ventures
Play a chart along with music that is recorded (i.e. Groove Essentials by Tommy Igoe or The Art of Bop Drumming by John Reilly) 2 minute minimum
Grade 10 Drumset
Mimic “Take-Five” solo by Joe Morello
Transcribe and perform song of choice, should be considered somewhat notey.
Improvise solo (based on groove and fill) that changes through 4 styles and keep a constant quarter pulse (i.e. Rock, Jazz, Latin, Funk)
Grade 11 Drumset
Play transcription of “ The Drum Also Waltz’s” Max Roach
Mimic In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida solo by Ron Bushy of Iron Butterfly
Improvise solo (based on groove and fill: that changes through 6 styles)
Play 4-Way Coordination Etude/Solo or one of the 10 solos from Rick Latham’s Advance Funk Studies
Grade 12 Drumset
Play transcription of Tom Sawyer by Rush as performed by Neil Pert
Compose and notate solo that demonstrates your best stuff. 3-minute minimum. Quality of manuscript should be easily read. Either hand or computer generated.
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Grade 5 Two Mallets (xylophone/marimba)
Major Scales C, F, Bb, Eb, G, D, A. One octave, rhythm played as eighth notes, tempo quarter equals 100, by memory, error free.
Select one of the following folk songs to play by memory (just melody) in all of the above mentioned keys by memory; Mary Had a Little Lamb, Twinkle Star, London Bridge
Perform two etudes/solos (unaccompanied) using quarter and eighth notes in 3/4 and 4/4, quarter equals 80, steady tempo and high degree of accuracy, 8 bar minimum. Use two different keys.
Grade 6 Two Mallets (xylophone/marimba)
Major Scales Ab, Db, E, B, One octave, rhythm played as eighth notes, tempo quarter equals 100, by memory, error free. Student can be quizzed on any scale required from Grade 5 Mallets.
Select one of the following songs to play by memory (just melody) and in all the following keys C, F, Bb, G and D. Happy Birthday, America the Beautiful, Take Me Out to the Ballgame
Perform two etudes/solos (unaccompanied) using quarter, eighth and sixteenth notes in 2/4 quarter equals 80 bpm minimum and 6/8, dotted quarter equals 70 bpm, steady tempo and high degree of accuracy, 16 bar minimum. One etude needs to be with 3 or more flats or sharps.
Grade 7 Two Mallets (xylophone/marimba)
Student draws the Circle of 5th’s
Student can be asked to play any of the 13 Major Scales, 2 octaves in eighth notes, quarter beat is 120 bpm minimum (i.e. Vic Firth Mallet Technique Study #1 or similar)
Student can be asked to play any of the 13 Major Triads, 1 octave (eighth triplets with quarter note = 100) (i.e. Vic Firth Mallet Technique Study #5)
Play a bass line in a 12 bar blues (student selects key) (2 repetitions for a 24 bar total)
Play a lead line in a 12 bar blues (student selects key –can be the same key as bass line) (2 repetitions for a 24 bar total)
Perform two etudes/solos (unaccompanied) using quarter, eighth and sixteenth notes. One etude in a duple feel at 90 bpm minimum and a 2nd etude in compound meter at dotted quarter equals 80 bpm, both need to show a steady tempo and high degree of accuracy, 32 bar minimum. One etude needs to be with 4 or more flats or sharps.
Grade 8 Four Mallets
Play Major Scales (C, F, Bb, Eb, G, D, A,) 1 octave using 2,3,4,1,2,3,4 sticking (scale in eighth notes quarter equals 120 bpm)
Play Major Triads (C, F, Bb, Eb, G, D, A), 1 octave using 1,2,3,4,2,3,4 sticking Bb sticking is 1,3,4,1,2,3,1 eighth equals 66 bpm, Arpeggio performed as 16th Triplets (LHS Method of Movement #431)
Play 2 etudes, 2 different keys, 2 different time signatures with appropriate tempo indications (i.e. Fundamental Method for Mallets Book 1, Mitchell Peters Pages 150-155)
Play solo using single independent and or single alternating strokes or double vertical strokes. 16 measure minimum. Solos along the lines of Sea Refractions –Mitchell Peters, Suite Mexicana –Keith Larson, Funny Marimba Book 1 –Zivkovic (student needs to subscribe to all tempo indications in solo (going slower than indicated is a negative) Opening tempo of Sea Refractions is a good example of many students going slower than what is indicated.
Grade 9 Four Mallets
Play Major Scales Ab, Db, E, B, 2 octaves using 2,3,4,1,2,3,4 sticking (Gb 1,2,3,4,2,3,4) Scale in 16ths bpm = 80
Play Major Triads Ab, Db, E, B, 2 octaves using 1,2,3,4,2,3,4 sticking. Arpeggio in 16th Triplets with quarter beats at 72 bpm
Student can be quizzed on any scales and triads from Grade 8, Four Mallets (two octaves required)
Play 2 etudes, 2 different keys 2 different time signature with appropriate tempo indications (i.e. Fundamental Method for Mallets Book 1, Mitchell Peters Pages 156-161)
Play solo using single independent and single alternating strokes and double vertical strokes and traditional roll. Yellow after the Rain –Mitchell Peters, 7 Brazilian Children Songs, Mexican Variations Mvt.1 –George Frock.
Grade 10 Two and Four Mallets
Play (two mallets) Harmonic Minor Scales and Triads through 3 sharps and flats, 2 octaves (i.e. Vic Firth Mallet Technique Study #8, bpm minimum is quarter = 120, triads should be thought of as eighth note triplets with the quarter beat being 76 bpm, i.e. Vic firth Mallet Technique Study #18
Play (four mallets) the following exercises from LHS Method of Movement; Exercise #1, #70-#77, #193, (any major key) or similar such as Fundamental Method for Mallets by Mitchell Peter Book1. LHS #1 = MP Book 1 Pg. 138 #1 and #2. LHS #70-77 = MP Pg. 146 all. LHS #193 = MP Pg. 130 #1. Tempos should be considered moderate for all exercises.
Play the following Orchestral excerpt. Colas Breugnon Overture by Kabalevsky (as found in the Modern School for Xylophone by Morris Goldenberg. Student will be asked to play along with a recording. Student will be judged on accuracy, musicality and ensemble playing.
Play 2 etudes, 2, different keys, 2 different time signatures with appropriate tempo indications (i.e. Fundamental Method for Mallets Book 1, Mitchell Peters Pages 162-166)
Play 4 mallet solo using single independent, single alternating strokes and double vertical strokes and traditional roll. Two minute minimum.
Play 2 mallet solo; Sonata for Marimba and Piano (Mvts 1 or 3) –Tanner, Furioso and Valse –Hatch, Violin Sonatas by Handel, Flute Sonatas by Bach (Handel and Bach can be found in the book Masterpieces for Marimba edited by Thomas McMillian
Grade 11 Two and Four Mallets
Play (two mallets) all Harmonic Minor Scales and Triads (i.e Vic Firth Study #8 and #16 bpm is minimum stated tempo in Vic Firth Mallet Technique)
Play (four mallets) 3 octave major arpeggios (all) as demonstrated in LHS #430 (or similar)(arpeggios are thought of as eight note triplets with the quarter beat being 66 bpm minimum
Play one four mallet etude by Clair Musser
Play one Rag by George H. Green or one two mallet etude by Clair Musser
Play Appalachian Spring by Copland on Xylophone. Student will be asked to play along with a recording. Student will be judged on accuracy, musicality and ensemble playing.
Grade 12 Two and Four mallets
Play (two mallets) melodic minor scales through 3 sharps and flats (i.e. Vic Firth Study #9)
Play (four mallets) all major triads LHS #202 or #203; LHS #271 right hand and left hand, any major scale
Play Porgy and Bess on Xylophone by Gershwin as found in the Modern School for Xylophone book by Morris Goldenberg. Student will be asked to play along with a recording. Student will be judged on accuracy, musicality and ensemble playing.
Play 1st or 3rd Movements of the Concertino for Marimba and Orchestra –Creston (or similar)
Play 2nd Movement of Concertino for Marimba and Orchestra –Creston or any movement of the Concerto for Marimba (#1) by Ney Rosauro (or similar, using 4 mallets)
Perform etude for Six Mallets –Robert Chenoweth (or similar six mallets)
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Block A Timpani
Student will be asked to tune the following standard pitch combinations; A-D, A-E, G-C and G-D, Bb-Eb, Bb-F using A tuning fork
Perform the D major (32-29), F major (29-26) and Bb major (26-23) scales using the two timpani indicated in brackets
Perform a roll over a period of approximately 30” from pp-ff and then back down to pp. Roll quality should be smooth throughout.
Perform the following etude (or similar) to demonstrate pedal technique.
Etude #6 from The Solo Timpanist by Vic Firth
Perform two of the three movements of the Sonata for Timpani –John Beck (or similar)
Block B Vibraphone
Perform etude or solo that uses stick damping/pedaling and is a minimum of two minutes duration (two or four mallets)
Block C Multiple Percussion
Perform etude or solo that uses 3 or more unique percussion instruments (triangle snare drum and tom-tom (not 3 toms) and is two minutes of duration. Not a drumset solo. Examples of this style repertoire would include Morris Dance -William Kraft, The Twittering Machine –Al Payson, Solos for Multiple Percussion –Ney Rosauro
Block D Orchestra Bells
Perform 2 orchestral bell excerpts such as Magic Flute and Sorcerer’s apprentice or 1 mvt. of a bell solo such as
Block E Hand Drums (Conga, Bongo, Djembe)
Perform solo (written out) or demonstrate 3 standard grooves for your instrument
Block F Frame Drum ala Glen Velez
CAN YOU?
30 Minute Recital consisting of repertoire appropriate for a college audition
Repertoire should include five of the following categories:
Work for 2 mallets (keyboard)
Work for 4 mallets (keyboard)
Timpani Solo
Snare Drum Solo “concert style”
Snare Drum Solo “rudimental style”
Drumset Solo or feature (bringing your jazz combo/rock group in to play with you is fine)
Multiple Percussion Solo (a collection of dissimilar percussion instruments) ( piece for one snare, one triangle, one woodblock –yes) ( piece for three suspended cymbals –no)
Hand Drum Solo (frame drum, djembe, rik etc.) including congas and bongos solo or feature