PERCUSSION METHODS – MUE 243, Section 101
Tuesday, Thursday 12:30-1:45 – LPAC 1230
Web-enhanced
Dr. Luis Rivera
Phone: (251) 460-6247
E-Mail: lcrivera-carrero@southalabama.edu
Office Hours: By Appointment Only
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The techniques of teaching percussion instruments and the
development of some proficiency on all percussion instruments.
COURSE TOPICAL OUTLINE:
DATE
TOPIC
READING/DVD
T 8/19
Introduction
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TH 8/21
General Considerations
pp.1-31
Ch.1 (1-2)
T 8/26
Snare Drum
pp.35-57
Ch. 2 (1-10)
TH 8/28
Snare Drum
pp.31-34, 57-62
Ch.2 (11-14)
T 9/2
Snare Drum
pp.62-73, 377-385
Ch.2 (15-19)
TH 9/4
Multiple Percussion
pp.79-88
T 9/9
PLAYING TEST 1
---
TH 9/11
WRITTEN TEST I (Ch. 1-3)
---
T 9/16
Keyboard Percussion
pp.93-106
Ch.4 (1)
TH 9/18
Keyboard Percussion
pp.107-127
Ch.4 (2-4)
T 9/23
Keyboard Percussion
pp.127-132
Ch.4 (5-6)
TH 9/25
Keyboard Percussion
pp.133-146
Ch.4 (5-6)
T 9/30
PLAYING TEST II
---
TH 10/2
WRITTEN TEST II (Ch. 4)
---
T 10/7
NO CLASS – Fall Break
---
TH 10/9
Timpani
pp.157-175
Ch.5 (1-2)
T 10/14
Timpani
pp.175-185, 196-201
Ch.5 (3-7)
TH 10/16
Timpani
pp.185-205
Ch.5 (7-16)
T 10/21
PLAYING TEST III
---
TH 10/23
WRITTEN TEST III (Ch. 5)
---
T 10/28
Bass Drum and Cymbals
pp.215-231
Ch.6 (1-4)
TH 10/30
Accessory Instruments
pp.231-251
Ch.6 (5-8)
T 11/4
Musical Interpretation
(Percussion Ensemble)
pp.425-453
TH 11/6
World Percussion
pp.253-289
Ch.7 (1-14)
T 11/11
PLAYING TEST IV
---
TH 11/13
WRITTEN TEST IV (Ch. 6-7, 10)
---
T 11/18
Observation 1
---
TH 11/20
Observation 2
---
T 11/25
Drum Set
pp.294-321
Ch.8 (1-11)
TH 11/27
NO CLASS – Thanksgiving
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T 12/2
Marching Percussion
pp.329-393
Ch.9 (1, 3-8)
TH 12/4
Marching Percussion
pp.393-420
Determine Pedagogy Session Materials Ch.9 (2-9-10)
Thursday 12/11
Pedagogy Sessions (1:00PM - 3:00PM) Arranging Projects,
Reference Notebooks, Observations and Extra Credit Due
COURSE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: To promote an understanding of the technical, pedagogical,
historical, and stylistic aspects of percussion in preparation for instructing percussion in primary and
secondary schools. This course covers a large amount of material in a small amount of time, thus the
class will move at a rapid pace and stress only the information most often needed in educational settings.
For additional information, students should consult the supplemental source lists that follow each
chapter in the textbook. The class will address the need to relate to school percussionists in an
organized and active manner in order to foster effective learning, worthwhile performance values, and a
lifelong enjoyment of music. Students will attune their practical listening and musical analysis skills in
order to gain a better grasp of performance styles, aural textures, and compositional problems in
percussion. Lecture-demonstrations will include discussions of basic maintenance and repair for each
instrument group. The time allotted for actual playing experience on percussion instruments will be
limited and demonstrations will move quickly and efficiently, and each student must take responsibility
for his or her own attendance and attentiveness.
COURSE MATERIALS:
(1) Textbook (available at the USA Bookstore): Teaching Percussion (with DVD) by Gary D. Cook (3rd
edition, Thomson-Schirmer)
(2) Practice pad, 1 pair of snare drum sticks, 1 pair of yarn-wound marimba mallets, 1 pair of felt timpani
mallets (mallets/sticks provided by instructor)
(3) One large three-ring binder (3” preferable)
(4) Set of nine labeled dividers
UNIVERSITY ATTENDANCE POLICY: An individual student is responsible for attending the classes in
which the student is officially enrolled. At the beginning of classes, instructors must define their policy on absences, and all
cases of illness and emergency shall be promptly reported and verified to the instructor. For excessive absences (two or three
consecutive meetings) due to illness, death in family, or family emergency, the Dean of Students’ office should be advised.
Absence notices will be sent to each instructor notifying him of the reason for and the approximate length of the absence.
This notification does not constitute an excused absence. Students attending authorized off-campus functions
or required activities shall be excused by the responsible University official through the Office of Academic Affairs. In case
of doubt, instructors my consult these lists in the office. Work missed as a result of these excused absences may be made up
(From the University of South Alabama Undergraduate and Graduate Bulletin, pg. 30).
COURSE ATTENDANCE POLICY: Class attendance is required of all students and is necessary to
properly achieve the course objectives. Students are expected to arrive early and be prepared for class in
a timely manner. Students arriving after the instructor begins class are considered tardy, three (3)
instances of which constitute one (1) unexcused absence. Students are allowed two (2) unexcused
absences, and each unexcused absence beyond the two allowed will result in 10 points being subtracted
from the student’s final grade. Students should inform the instructor WELL IN ADVANCE prior to
any absence and are responsible for all work due and assignments given during the absence, which
includes obtaining all missed information from peers, not the instructor. An official excuse note/letter
must be presented to the instructor in order for an absence to be considered excused at the discretion of
the instructor.
ASSESSMENT:
4 Tests (100 pts. each)
*Pedagogy Session
*2 Observations (15 pts. each)
*Percussion Reference Notebook
*Arranging Project
TOTAL
400 pts.
30 pts.
30 pts.
20 pts.
20 pts.
500 pts.
450-500 = A
398-449 = B
346-397 = C
294-345 = D
0-293 = F
1. Tests: Students are required to take 4 written and 4 playing tests during the semester based on text
readings, lecture materials, and playing techniques presented in class meetings. (400 total points – 100
points each, 90 points written/10 points playing)
Test I: General Considerations, Snare Drum, Multiple Percussion (Chapters 1, 2, and 3)
Test II: Keyboard Percussion (Chapter 4)
Test III: Timpani (Chapter 5)
Test IV: Bass Drum, Cymbals, Accessories, Musical Interpretation of Percussion Parts, World
Percussion (Chapters 6, 7, and 10)
2. Pedagogy Session (Required): Students are required to take part in a pedagogy session in which the
student will instruct a percussion technique(s) to a volunteer non-percussionist brought by the student
from outside of class. The instructed technique(s) will be chosen by the student (with approval of the
instructor) on the final, regularly scheduled class time. Evaluations of the pedagogy sessions are based
on teaching techniques implemented, clarity of instruction, correct terminology, instructor’s adaptability,
efficient use of time, and overall effectiveness of instruction. Students will sign-up for a Pedagogy
Session appointment time during the final class meeting; the Pedagogy Session will take place during the
Final Examination period. (30 points)
3. Observations (Required): Students are required to submit two, classroom observations of percussion
classes at two, different institutions. Observations must be typed in narrative form, and must be
submitted with a corresponding Percussion Instruction Observation Form SIGNED AND DATED by the
supervising instructors. Students are strongly encouraged to choose observations that coincide with their
future career goals and should request permission from the supervising instructor in a timely manner
prior to an observation. Students must observe a class that takes place during the school day and
where the rehearsal is led by the band director. Observing a drumline rehearsal that is led by a
percussionist who is not the band director will not be accepted. Observations should be one to two
double-spaced pages in length, and will be graded based on depth of observations, inclusion of answers
to questions in the Percussion Instruction Observation Guide, and overall quality with regards to spelling and
grammar. All observations are due by the beginning of the student’s Pedagogy Session, due on the day
of the Final Examination. (30 total points – 15 points each)
4. Percussion Reference Notebook (Required): Students are required to submit a 3-ring binder
Percussion Reference Notebook, which is intended to be a compilation of materials that students will
use as a reference source in the future, and must be organized using a large three-ring binder and labeled
section dividers with the following topic designations (in the following order):
1. Snare Drum/Multiple Percussion
2. Keyboard Percussion
3. Timpani
4. Bass Drum/Cymbals
5. Accessories
6. World Percussion
7. Drum Set
8. Marching Percussion
9. Music Education
Notebooks are evaluated on presentation, organization of materials, and the inclusion of class notes and
handouts. For ease of future reference, students are strongly encouraged to type class notes, but neat
handwritten notes are acceptable. Notebooks are due at the beginning of the student’s Pedagogy
Session. (20 points)
5. Arranging Project (Required): Students are required to submit a 64-count (16 measures) marching
percussion cadence written for “average ability level,” middle school percussionists. Instrumentation
should include snare drum, tenors (5 drums), tonal bass drums (4 or 5), and cymbals (2, 3, or 4 pairs).
Final musical scores should be in proper score order (snare drum, tenors, bass drums, cymbals) and
should include measure numbers, tempo marking, dynamics, stickings, title, composer’s name, and
completion date in the upper right hand corner. All compositions will be created and completed in
digital notation software (Finale, Sibelius, etc.) unless extenuating circumstances occur with a student
(acceptable circumstances will be judged by the instructor on an individual basis; student should consult
instructor at the beginning of the semester to discuss options). Projects are evaluated on adherence to
performance parameters of instrument(s), ability level of intended performers, clarity and organization of
proper percussion notation, and creativity of composition. Arranging Projects are due at the beginning
of the student’s Pedagogy Session. (20 points)
EXTRA CREDIT: Students may choose to do up to two (2) additional observations, for a total of up
to four observations. Additional observations above the required two may add up to ten (10) points
each to the student’s final grade, for a total of up to twenty (20) points of possible extra credit added to
the student’s final grade. Extra credit observations are due no later than the student’s Pedagogy Session
time. Students may also choose to attend one (1) University-affiliated percussion concert (a list of
acceptable performances is included at the end of the syllabus), worth up to five (5) points which will be
added to the student’s final grade. To earn the maximum points, the student must first check in with the
teacher PRIOR TO THE BEGINNING of the performance, then complete a summary of musical
instruments played, techniques implemented by the performer(s), types of pieces performed, and overall
sound characteristics of the instruments in each piece with regards to mallets, sticks, their relation to the
other instruments, and any other factor that affects sound quality on percussion. Writing and formatting
guidelines are to be the same as those required for the observations. Summaries are due no later than the
student’s Pedagogy Session, and MUST BE TURNED IN WITH THE CORRESPONDING
PROGRAM. A summary will receive NO CREDIT without a program.
ASSIGNMENTS: Assignments are due on or before the date listed above on the Class Schedule.
Assignments turned in after the listed due date will automatically be deducted one letter grade. (See Course Attendance
Policy for information regarding excused absences.)
CHANGES IN COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Not all classes progress at the same rate, thus course
requirements might have to be modified as circumstances dictate. You will be given written and oral
notice if the course requirements need to be changed.
ACADEMIC DISRUPTION POLICY: The University of South Alabama’s policy regarding
Academic Disruption is found in The Lowdown, the student handbook,
http://www.southalabama.edu/lowdown/academicdisruption.shtml: Disruptive academic behavior is
defined as individual or group conduct that interrupts or interferes with any educational activity or
environment, infringes upon the rights and privileges of others, results in or threatens the destruction of
peoperty and/or is otherwise prejudicial to the maintenance of order in an academic environment.
Students are expected to be cordial, courteous, and respectful of faculty members and fellow students.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES: Cell phones are to be turned off or set to vibrate with no noise during
class meetings. Cell phones are not to be used during class, unless special circumstances necessitate use
and are arranged with the instructor prior to class. Laptops and tablets are only permitted to take notes.
If gaming and social media are seen by the instructor, the device(s) will be taken away and returned at the
conclusion of the class meeting. If there is a repeated offense of disruption, the student(s) will not be
allowed to bring the device(s) into the classroom for the remainder of the semester.
STUDENT ACADEMIC CONDUCT POLICY: The University of South Alabama’s policy
regarding Student Academic Conduct Policy is found in The Lowdown,
http://www.southalabama.edu/lowdown/academicconductpolicy.shtml: The University of South
Alabama is a community of scholars in which the ideals of freedom of inquiry, freedom of thought,
freedom of expression, and freedom of the individual are sustained. The University is committed to
supporting the exercise of any right guaranteed to individuals by the Constitution and the Code of
Alabama and to educating students relative to their responsibilities. Any student caught cheating will be
dealt with according to departmental and University protocol, at the discretion of the instructor.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act,
students with bona fide disabilities will be afforded reasonable accommodations. The Office of Special
Student Services (OSSS) will certify a disability and advise faculty members of reasonable
accommodations. If you have a specific disability that qualifies you for academic accommodations,
please notify the instructor and provide certification from the OSSS. OSSS is located at 5828 Old Shell
Road at Jaguar Drive, (251) 460-7212.
JAGALERT: JagAlert is an academic program intended to help students be successful in 100 and 200
level courses. If you are not doing well, you will receive an email instructing you to see your professor
and academic advisor. Watch for the JagAlert email around Week 6 of the semester.
PERCUSSION PERFORMANCES: Students are not required to attend percussion performances as
a part of this course, but are highly encouraged to attend percussion performances and relay any
observations to the instructor for feedback. Many of the performances listed on the Department of
Music website (www.southalabama.edu/music), or those mentioned in class by the instructor that take
place in the community, will provide students wonderful opportunities to observe percussion
performers, instruments, and techniques, and synthesize the content of the course with personal
experience.
Fall 2013 Percussion Events
September
10
World Leisure Congress Concert
26
Novus Percutere Duo Concert
November
2
USA Percussion Ensemble Dress Rehearsal
3-4
USA Percussion Ensemble Fall Concert
19-22 Percussive Arts Society International Convention, Indianapolis, IN
9
Symphony Band Dress Rehearsal
10
Symphony Band Fall Concert
12
Wind Ensemble Dress Rehearsal
13
Wind Ensemble Fall Concert
TBA
Local Run Out Performances by USA Percussion Ensemble
7:00 PM
7:30 PM
6-10 PM
7:30 PM
6:30 PM
7:30 PM
6:00 PM
7:30 PM
Percussion Instruction Observation Guide
Questions to consider for secondary school observations:
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What type of ensemble did you observe? (symphonic band, wind ensemble, percussion
ensemble, etc.)
How many students were in the percussion section?
How were the percussionists behaving while music was being performed?
How were the percussionists behaving while music was not being performed?
Did the band director acknowledge the percussionists with relatively the same frequency as
the other sections?
Did the band director have to address the percussionists for behavior issues?
Was the quality of instruction from the band director towards the percussionists the same as
the other sections?
Did the band director address errors in the percussionists’ technique and provide correct
solutions?
Were there percussion method books/supplemental materials readily available?
Were the percussionists involved in the full band warm-up?
How was the overall organization of the percussion section?
Questions to consider for elementary school observations:
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Where did the teacher normally store his/her percussion instruments?
Were the percussion instruments neatly organized?
Did the teacher have a wide variety of percussion instruments?
What were some ways the teacher described the playing techniques of certain instruments?
Did he/she say the correct information?
Was there too much time spent on calming the children down and keeping them quiet?
Did the teacher involve the entire class as a percussion ensemble, or was it more of an
individualistic approach?
How much time during the year does the teacher devote to percussion instruction? (1 class
period, 2 class periods, etc.)
Does the teacher combine percussion with other instruments (or voices) for class and/or
school performances?
Percussion Instruction Observation Form
to be completed by student
Name of School:
Instruments Used:
Size of Percussion Section:
Grade Level:
to be completed by supervising teacher
Name of Teacher:
Date Attended:
Signature:
to be completed by student
Name of School:
Instruments Used:
Size of Percussion Section:
Grade Level:
to be completed by supervising teacher
Name of Teacher:
Date Attended:
Signature:
to be completed by student
**Name of School:
Instruments Used:
Size of Percussion Section:
Grade Level:
to be completed by supervising teacher
Name of Teacher:
Date Attended:
Signature:
to be completed by student
**Name of School:
Instruments Used:
Size of Percussion Section:
Grade Level:
to be completed by supervising teacher
Name of Teacher:
Date Attended:
Signature: