Rick Sacks 2008

Percussion Workshop for Composers

Part 1

multiple percussion

introduction to the collection ie; membranophones and idiophones multi-stave making choices

logistics of set ups

combination sounds using multiple mallets

New percussion instruments (vibra-tone, spring drum, found sounds,

etc)

Old percussion instruments (devil chasers, cricket callers, etc)

keyboard percussion

demonstration of the collection of pitched percussion – mallet choices -

Standard and extended ranges and notation for Vibraphone, Glock, Chimes, Xylophone, Marimba, Crotales.

extended technique vs experimental sounds

extended – evolves classical technique or makes non-classical sounds?

experimental – combination sounds

scrapes with sticks and bowing

rubbing (super ball, fingers, brushes, metals, etc)

Dos and don’ts – Issues with set ups and notation

More than four

Beware - gross motor action at work (traversing long distances)

Stacking

drumset

demonstration of the kit

drumkit notation

hybrid kits

improvisation vs strict notation

notation

Relative pitch

How many staves

How would you write this?

BREAK

Rick Sacks 2008

Percussion Workshop for Composers

Part 2

Individual and group activity

The members of the workshop may travel through the space experimenting with mallets, setting up combination sounds and generally ‘exploring’ .

Rick will also wander through the space making himself available for questions that may be answered on an individual basis and, if appropriate, shared with the group.

Break

Part 3

Performing on percussion

Toward the end of the afternoon, composers will be invited to engage in a structured improvisation to explore the physicality of percussion.

Wrap up will include comments and feedback and any more questions or observations that have arisen during the workshop process.

End of day