COURSE TITLE: Percussion Methods

COURSE NUMBER / SECTION / SEMESTER: BAND 269-001 Spring Semester

DAY / TIME / LOCATION: M/W/F 10:00-10:50 a.m.
INSTRUCTOR: Carson McCann
OFFICE: Baird Music Hall 269
PHONE: (606)-867-5309
E-MAIL: c.mccann@moreheadstate.edu
OFFICE HOURS: 9:00-9:50 a.m., 3:00-6:00 Monday-Friday

CATALOG DESCRIPTION
In this course, you will learn general methods for both playing and teaching many of the main
instruments in the percussion world. These instruments include (but are not limited to)
marimba, snare drum, timpani, and some small accessories such as the triangle, tambourine,
and wood block.

PREREQUISITE / CO-REQUISITE
 None

REQUIRED TEXTS
 Complimentary Percussion by Keith Aleo
 Intermediate Snare Drum Studies by Mitchell Peters
 Modern School for Xylophone, Marimba, and Vibraphone by Morris Goldenberg

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES / ASSESSMENT OF LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students will be able to:
 Perform small etudes on the snare drum, marimba, triangle, and tambourine
(wood block and timpani are saved for the end of the course if we get through
the other instruments in a timely fashion).
 Teach the general techniques on the instruments that we cover in class.
 Repair any of the instruments we discuss if (and more likely, when) they break.
 These will be assessed through both written and playing exams given by the
instructor and assistants throughout the semester (dates for written and playing
exams are listed in the semester outline).
INSTRUCTOR’S EXPECTATIONS
Come to class fully functioning (this includes getting a full night’s rest and doing your best to
not be hungover or anything of the sort). Come prepared with the ability to take notes (laptops
and tablets are accepted for note taking). Be ready to have fun!

GRADING PROCEDURE / ASSIGNMENTS / EXAMS / FINAL EXAM

Grade Percentages:
 Attendance = 10%
 Attitude = 10%
 Class Preparedness = 10%
 Owning the required texts = 20%
 Written/Playing Exams = 30%
 Final Exam = 20%
Grading Scale:
Bad Attendance (meaning 3 – 4 unexcused absences)
100-90 = A
89-80 = B
79-70 = C
69-60 = D
59 - 0 = E

Good Attendance (meaning 2 or less unexcused absences)

85+ = A
84 - 74 = B
73 - 63 = C
62 - 52 = D
51 or below = E

ATTENDANCE POLICY
Attendance to this class is mandatory, with two (2) unexcused absences available for you
throughout the semester. After two unexcused absences, your grade will be lowered by one
half of a letter grade. Students with five (5) or more unexcused absences will receive a zero (0)
for the course and will have to retake the course at a later date.

CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT
Illegal: firearms or any other weapons, alcohol, illegal drugs, and drug related items
Food, drinks other than water, tobacco products, and spit-cups are not permitted. Mobile
devices must be placed on “silent” and stowed. Behavior that disrupt the learning environment
is strictly forbidden.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
The University policy regarding academic dishonesty is stated in the Undergraduate Catalog. It
allows faculty members to impose a sanction on students determined to be guilty of plagiarism
(taking the ideas or written words of another without appropriate citation). The sanction may
include failure of a particular assignment or exam, failure of a particular class, or any other
appropriate disciplinary action. Charges of plagiarism must be reported to the appropriate
department chair and college dean, and to the MSU Dean of Students. Further policy
information is available at:

http://www2.moreheadstate.edu/files/units/dsl/eaglehandbook/eaglehandbook-web.pdf

ADA STATEMENT
Students with disabilities are entitled to academic accommodations and services to support
their access and safety. The Office for Disability Services in 109-J Enrollment Services Center
coordinates reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Although a
request may be made at any time, services are best applied when they are requested at or
before the start of the semester. Please contact Disability Services at 606-783-5188 or
e.day@moreheadstate.edu or visit their website at www.moreheadstate.edu/disability.

CAMPUS SAFETY
Emergency response information will be discussed in class. Students should familiarize
themselves with the nearest exit routes in the event evacuation becomes necessary. You should
notify your instructor at the beginning of the semester if you have special needs or will require
assistance during an emergency evacuation. Students should familiarize themselves with
emergency response protocols at: www.moreheadstate.edu/emergency.

COURSE SEMESTER OUTLINE:

Unit 1 - Triangle

Syllabus Week/Introduction – Week 1

Wednesday, January 17– Syllabus Overview/Introduction
Friday, January 19 – Triangle Beginnings (holding the instrument correctly, triangle beater
discussion)

Triangle – Week 2
Monday, January 22– Triangle Technique – Rolling and staccato
Wednesday, January 24– Triangle Technique – Dynamic playing
Friday, January 26- Triangle Technique – Orchestral Playing/playing with a group

Triangle – Week 3
Monday, January 29– Etudes from Complimentary Percussion (C.P. for short)
Wednesday, January 31– Continue etudes from C.P., determine final exam etude and provide
written study guide
Friday, February 2- Triangle Final (written and playing)
 Unit 2 - Tambourine

Tambourine – Week 4
Monday, February 5– Tambourine general discussion
Wednesday, February 7– Tambourine Brands, differing jingles, and differing heads
Friday, February 9- Beginning tambourine technique, rolling

Tambourine – Week 5
Monday, February 12– Continue technique – shake rolls, thumb rolls and finger rolls
Wednesday, February 14– Technique – staccato playing
Friday, February 16- Extended technique – knee playing, mounted playing

Tambourine – Week 6
Monday, February 19– Etudes from C.P.
Wednesday, February 21– Etudes from C.P, determine final exam etude & provide written
study guide
Friday, February 23- Tambourine Final (written and playing)

Unit 3 – Marimba

Marimba – Week 7
Monday, February 26– Marimba general discussion
Wednesday, February 28– Marimba brands, mallet brands, and give pieces to listen to
Friday, March 2- Mallet set up in percussion studio, playing different mallet instruments (scales
to start)

Marimba – Week 8
Monday, March 5– Marimba Technique: lifting, wrist, and body placement
Wednesday, March 7– Technique continued
Friday, March 9— Etudes from Modern School for Xylophone, Marimba, and Vibraphone
(Modern School or Goldenberg for short)

Marimba – Week 9
Tuesday, March 12– Etudes from Goldenberg
Thursday, March 14 – Etudes from Goldenberg
Friday, March 16— Etudes from Goldenberg
SPRING BREAK, MARCH 17-25
Marimba – Week 10
Monday, March 26 – Decide on etude for final/provide written study guide for final
Wednesday, March 28– Practice final etude and ask questions
Friday, March 30— Marimba Final (written and playing)

Unit 4 – Snare Drum

Snare Drum– Week 11

Monday, April 2– Snare drum general discussion
Wednesday, April 4– Snare drum types, brands, sticks, and other snare drum facts (strainers,
snare choices, field drums)
Friday, April 6—Discuss stick holding (match grip and traditional), and how to set up the snare
drum for you and particular situations

Snare Drum – Week 12

Monday, April 9– General snare drum technique
Wednesday, April 11– Technique cont’d
Friday, April 13— Technique cont’d

Snare Drum – Week 13

Monday, April 16 – Snare drum etudes out of the Intermediate Snare Drum Studies book by
Mitchell Peters (Peters for short)
Wednesday, April 18 – Etudes from Peters
Friday, April 20— Etudes from Peters

Snare Drum– Week 14

Monday, April 23– Decide on etude for final/provide written study guide for final
Wednesday, April 25 – Practice final etude and ask questions
Friday, April 27— Snare Drum final (written and playing)

Unit 5 – Teaching Techniques

Teaching Techniques – Week 15

Monday, April 31 – General percussion classroom practices
Wednesday, May 2– Discussion on practical techniques for teaching percussionists
Friday, May 4— Discussion on materials needed for the percussion student from 6 th grade
through 12th grade

Finals – Week 16
– Final Exam Wednesday May 9th at 10am