Percussion Class (239-0-1)
Instructors
David B Fodor
224.578.2310
Office Hours: By Appointment
www.davidfodor.com/my-bio
Meeting Info
Regenstein Hall of Music 011: Tues, Thurs 12:30PM - 1:20PM
Overview of class
The purpose of this course is to prepare you to teach percussion in the public schools. Topics include:
Snare Drum; Timpani, mallet, and auxiliary instrument performance and pedagogy techniques.
Learning Objectives
As a result of taking this class you should be able to:
• teach percussion to beginners through high school level students.
• diagnose and fix technique problems that your percussion students may have.
• Demonstrate how to play a wide variety of percussion instruments with good tone and technique so that you can model for your students.
• list and identify the standard texts and methods available for teaching concert percussion instruments and drum set.
• Understand the proper care and maintenance of percussion instruments.
• manage all aspects of a percussion section in the rehearsal/performance environment of a school setting, including inventory, purchase, and storage of equipment.
• recognize challenges that composers may pose to percussionists.
• analyze and prepare a part for rehearsal and performance.
• pass the music education department proficiency requirements.
Teaching Method
This is a hands-on methods class, with students engaging in performance and teaching experiences. Each student will be issued a percussion kit and mallets to use for the quarter.
Evaluation Method
Students will be evaluated in the following areas, utilizing the NU grading scale:
• Class Participation - 20%
• Binder Organization* - 10%
• Assignments - 30%
• Midterm Exam - 20%
• Final Exam - 20%
Class Materials (Required)
Percussion Methods: An Essential Resource for Educators, Conductors, and Students - Stephen Primatic (9781574633795) $29.95 new)
Percussion Equipment Kit (bells, practice pad, & stand) - Available from Band Office for no fee
Sticks & Mallets - 1 pr. Vic Firth - SDl "general" snare drumsticks, 1 pr. Vic Firth - Tl American Custom Timpani Mallets, 1 pr. Malletech Bob Becker BB34 Medium Rattan Xylo/Bell Mallets "Becker Blues" - sypplied with percussion kit
Class Materials (Suggested)
3-ring Binder with Dividers - There will be paper handouts passed out for class. A binder should be used to catalogue all notes, supplemental readings, and handouts. Students are expected to bring the practice pad, sticks, and percussion handbook to every class.
Pencil - ALWAYS BRING ONE TO CLASS
Class Notes
All information is available on the Canvas Class Page.