Clinic Feature:
Association of Texas Small School Bands
2009-10 All State Audition Etudes
Featuring Dr. Michael Varner, Professor of Percussion, UT Arlington

Each year, thousands of percussionists throughout Texas audition for placement in the ATSSB All State Band. Because of the worth of musical development that these selections have for high school percussionists, we’ve decided to create a special clinic covering the 3 etudes selected for this year's audition. Even if you’re not from Texas, we hope that you’ll benefit from the musical experience by practicing these selections.

For information about Dr. Michael Varner, or the UT Arlington Percussion Department, visit http://www.uta.edu/music/band/percussion.htm


Click here to download Dr. Varner's article, “Preparing for an All-State Audition: An outline for success”


Snare Drum Selection: Etude 48
From Portraits in Rhythm, Anthony Cirone, Warner Bros. Publications
    Errata:
   Measure 13 – beat 3, there should be a “p” dynamic on the sixth triplet-sixteenth note, the "ff" dynamic on the ninth 16th is correct.
   Measure 14 – the last note should be an eighth note, not a sixteenth note.

VIDEO PERFORMANCE

01: Full Etude, Slow Tempo
           |     HIGH BANDWIDTH     |     MEDIUM BANDWIDTH    |

02: Full Etude, Up to Tempo (mm=134)
           |     HIGH BANDWIDTH     |     MEDIUM BANDWIDTH    |

VIDEO CLINIC

01: General Tips
Covering practice routines, sticking, choosing sticks, drum selection & tuning

           |     HIGH BANDWIDTH     |     MEDIUM BANDWIDTH    |

04: Flams
Suggestions for getting the best flam sound, including stickings

           |     HIGH BANDWIDTH     |     MEDIUM BANDWIDTH    |

02: Rhythmic Considerations
The basics on counting 8ths, 16ths, triplets and 32nd notes in 12/8 time

           |     HIGH BANDWIDTH     |     MEDIUM BANDWIDTH    |

05: Drags and Ruffs
Exercises for 2 & 3 note ornaments within the rhythms of the piece

           |     HIGH BANDWIDTH     |     MEDIUM BANDWIDTH    |

03: Roll Recommendations
Exercises for developing a smooth 32nd base roll - including exercises for each of the various rhythmic durations

           |     HIGH BANDWIDTH     |     MEDIUM BANDWIDTH    |

06: Dynamics
Recommendations and exercises to improve your dynamic consistency and control for this etude

           |     HIGH BANDWIDTH     |     MEDIUM BANDWIDTH    |



Stick Recommendations:
SNR – Ney Rosauro Symphonic Signature Stick
A versatile, multi-purpose snare drum stick featuring an elongated tip with increased surface area for enhanced sound quality. A long taper provides excellent rebound, while a slight taper towards the butt enhances the balance. Excellent for concert playing as well as for drum set. In hickory.
L = 16.56"; Dia. = .600"
STG2 – Tim Genis Signature Stick, “Leggiero
For playing fast musical passages softly. Produces clean double strokes and clear articulation.
L = 16.81", Dia. = .650

Practice the etude with our play-along audio files!
Select an audio file to begin! (Flash Player Required)  Each audio file starts with a 6 beat count off. Files designated with "No Ornaments or Rolls" take out flams & ruffs – the rolls are played as a 32nd note base without multiple bounces.




Watch our 2007 TMEA All-State clinic on this piece:

Phrase by phrase performance suggestions:
Phrase 1: Beginning – measure 4
Phrase 2: Measure 5 – 6
Phrase 3: Measure 7 – 10
Phrase 4: Measure 11 – 12
Phrase 5: Measure 13 – 14
Phrase 6: Measure 15 – 17
Full performance, under tempo (for practice)

Timpani Selection: Etude 60
From Modern Method for Tympani, Saul Goodman, Morris Goldberg/Chappell and Company

VIDEO PERFORMANCE

01: Full Etude, Slow Tempo
           |     HIGH BANDWIDTH     |     MEDIUM BANDWIDTH    |

02: Full Etude, Up to Tempo (mm=134)
           |     HIGH BANDWIDTH     |     MEDIUM BANDWIDTH    |

VIDEO CLINIC

01: General Practice and Performance Tips

           |     HIGH BANDWIDTH     |     MEDIUM BANDWIDTH    |

04: Muffling Techniques

           |     HIGH BANDWIDTH     |     MEDIUM BANDWIDTH    |

02: Tuning Tips

           |     HIGH BANDWIDTH     |     MEDIUM BANDWIDTH    |

05: Sticking Considerations

           |     HIGH BANDWIDTH     |     MEDIUM BANDWIDTH    |

03: Tips for Getting a Great Roll

           |     HIGH BANDWIDTH     |     MEDIUM BANDWIDTH    |

 


 

Come back soon for more clinics on the keyboard etude!