ABSTRACT
Percussion is vastly different from the band’s other instrumental sections, requiring specialized attention from the band director. College methods courses are limited in scope, so it is not uncommon for directors to feel less competent, and therefore less confident, with all aspects of percussion teaching and management. Because performance pedagogy for individual instruments is easily found elsewhere, this chapter emphasizes the specific procedures, organizational strategies, and supplemental teaching techniques designed to help any band director become an outstanding percussion instructor. A carefully designed five-step method guides directors through the process of creating effective percussion part-assignments, toward the goal of helping students to become well-rounded percussionists. There is ample discussion of back-up assignments, doubling, rotations, setups, and subtle musical modifications to provide students with engaging experiences. A special feature of this chapter is a collection of sample documents, resources, a trip/packing list, and adaptable templates to assist with the director’s managerial jobs. The chapter also includes a unique rudiments inventory to help organize the percussion curriculum, and it finishes with a thorough checklist of what every non-percussionist band director should know to be successful. The material is structured to lead teachers toward success with the percussion section’s skills, responsibilities, and behaviors.
