Day of Percussion

Workshops

Assembly Performances

Rehearsals & Coaching


 

The Maelström Percussion Ensemble's Day of Percussion for Schools and Communities consists of a full day of in-school programming. Activities may include assembly programs for any grade level, hands-on workshops for percussion students, rehearsal and coaching sessions, and special sessions with band and music students. Program content is determined largely in consultation with school music faculty to address specific needs, interests, and goals. Schools also have the option of hosting a full-length evening concert for the community that may include collaborations with the school's concert band, jazz band, and other ensembles. Maelström's Day of Percussion is designed to provide maximum interaction with students and to present the diverse and exciting world of percussion to students and their communities.
 
 

Workshops
 
Techniques for the Concert Band Percussionist
This workshop addresses techniques for snare drum, bass drum, cymbals, timpani, and percussion accessories such as triangle and tambourine. Students will work on basic techniques, reading, instrument tuning, stick/mallet choices, and instrument maintenance.
 
World Music Drum Circle
For Percussionists or Music Students:
Using a variety of bells, shakers, and drums, students will perform music from Ghana, Cuba, and Brazil. Through an examination of the rhythms and instruments, students will learn of the migration and evolution of music from around the world.
 
Keyboard Percussion
From beginning to advanced, students will receive hands-on instruction in developing technique, reading, and improvisational skills. Students will use a digital mallet instrument and will explore some of the repertoire and musical styles available to mallet percussionists.
 
Drum Set
From basic technique, coordination, and independence to stylistic development, students will learn the critical elements of becoming a good drum set player. Students will also learn how to apply rudiments and Latin-American rhythms to the drum set.
 
Improvisation for All Instruments
Students will create an improvisatory piece based on the clave rhythm and pentatonic scales. Through accompaniment and soloing techniques, students will learn the elements of improvisation.
 


Assembly Performances
 
Middle School and High School Assemblies
Maelström offers students a sampling of the diverse world of percussion. The compelling rhythms of rock, jazz, and world music are complemented with the sophisticated sounds of contemporary music for percussion. Highly entertaining and education, this is a program that will inspire and delight music students, faculty members, and the entire student body.
 
Elementary School Assemblies
The World of Percussion, a whirlpool of sounds and color
Maelström takes students on a fast-paced tour of music and instruments from Asia, Africa, and Latin-America. The ensemble also presents the contemporary sounds of jazz and rock using acoustic and electronic percussion instruments. Students will be invited to create an original musical score using everyday objects. Education, entertaining, and a lot of fun!
 


Rehearsals and Coaching
 
Real Time Performance Tips for Percussionists
Maelström will work with the school's percussion ensemble, newly created or well established, on pieces chosen by the school or recommended by Maelström. This is an extraordinary opportunity for students to learn new techniques and gain valuable insight into ensemble playing and interpretation. Maelström will also coach the concert band percussionists in rehearsal to develop the technical and musical abilities in the section.
 
Rehearsal for the Evening Performance
If a collaboration on an evening concert has been arranged, Maelström will rehearse with the concert and/or jazz bands involved. Students will benefit from experiencing the rehearsal and creative processes with an established, professional ensemble.
 

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