OUTLINE

I. Discussion of the keyboard percussion challenges in schools

A. Having a "real" instrument
1. Bells vs. marimba/xylophone
2. Instrument envy
3. Size and the student percussionist
4. Band warm-ups and the percussionist


II. Keyboard Training

A. The obvious importance of private lessons

B. Addressing the instrument
1. Stance
2. Grip
3. Stroke

C. Piano vs. keyboard percussion
1. Should percussion have piano backgrounds?
2. How early is early?

D. Incorporating music theory into daily routines
1. A key a week- "A la Gary Foster"

2. Actual examples that work
a. circle of fifths
b. scale and harmonic studies

E. Reading and its inherent problems
1. No physical contact

2. "Flying the Hood"

3. Practice (only on the days you eat)
a. routine
b. setting goals/duration


III. Care and Feeding of your Percussionist

A. Recruitment & Testing

B. Motivation
1. Intrinsic
2. Extrinsic

C. Forming the percussion ensemble
1. What does the drum line do after marching band?
2. Keyboard ensemble & percussion ensemble

D. What can I do?
1. Take lessons from a percussionist
2. Play in ensemble (remember where you came from)
3. Have your students join P.A.S
4. Encouragement of manufacturers & retailers to provide quality and affordable instruments
5. Provide quality and fun percussion literature

For a complete copy of Dr. Crawford's "Building A Better Percussion Program" brochure and to inquire about a Building A Better Percussion Program clinic by Dr. Crawford in your area, visit your local Ross Mallet Instruments dealer or contact us.