Four Mallets Warm-Up Sequence
by: Charles Pisarra

This exercise is designed for four-mallet keyboard percussion, combining a basic physical warm-up with a basic mental warm-up. Utilizing four distinct positions on the keyboard in Perfect Fifth intervals, the exercise progresses through a series of "hands alone" and "hand together" combinations using double-vertical and alternating strokes. Experimentation with other intervals (major and minor sevenths, sixths, fourths, thirds, and seconds) is encouraged. This exercise is particulary useful for intermediate level players, who, like players at all levels, need a good warm-up, but are also ready for a slightly higher level of mental challenge. I have used this warmup with the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps Front Ensemble, as well as with high school and college level students.

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Charles Pisarra is a Graduate Student in Music Education/Instrumental Conducting at the University of Oklahoma. At OU, he teaches assists in teaching the Percussion Techniques course and with the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band Percussion section, and he performs with the OU Percussion Orchestra. Charles is on staff with the Dubuque Colts Drum and Bugle Corps as Assistant Front Ensemble Instructor, and with Edmond Memorial High School Marching Band as Front Ensemble Instructor/Arranger, Music Ensemble Coordinator, and Indoor Percussion Co-Director. He is Executive Board Percussion Representative for the Mid-America Performing Arts Association, and he co-owns and operates Percussion Solutions, an arranging/consulting firm. Charles performed with the Dubuque Colts and Concord Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps.