Madison Academic Band Program

Course Description

Drum Sticks An ensemble course in performance techniques on all basic percussion instruments to include snare, mallet instruments, timpani, bass drum, cymbals, and all basic accessory instruments. Students will be required to perform several times outside of class both individually and as a group throughout the semester. (in correlation with Tennessee Music Standards 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2, 7.1, 7.2, 8.1, 8.2, 9.1, 9.2)

General Course Objectives

To advance and improve the ability to perform at a satisfactory level on various percussion instruments
To gain a fundamental knowledge of music terminology, theory, styles and literature as pertaining to instrumental music
To develop a knowledgeable basis for making value judgments about music
To develop and display student's musical abilities within the format of an instrumental ensemble

Prerequisites/Requirements

Previous instruction in middle or high school band and/or instructor's permission to enroll in the course.

Students should provide their own snare drum and set of bell mallets; snare sticks and bell mallets. All other pitched and non-pitched percussion instruments are owned by Madison and will be used by all percussionists throughout their enrollment in percussion class.