Junior High Band
Organizational Tips

Store Auxiliary Percussion

Conquering the auxiliary percussion storage problem can be a challenge. One of the directors I observed, who was a percussionist, had a contractor build a large lockable storage cabinet that had a spot for every instrument. I couldn't afford that, but I had two flute/clarinet storage units that weren't being used. Each unit had 15 lockers, giving me 30 lockable storage compartments. That was enough to have a locker for drum sticks, timpani mallets, bell mallets, yarn mallets, chime mallets, bass drum mallets, gong mallets, triangles, cabasas, maracas, ratchets, whistles, claves, guiros, etc., etc. The instruments too large for the lockers (bongos, cymbals, etc.) were stored in a percussion cabinet on wheels. When everything had its own home it was easier for the students to clean up and it added to the life of each instrument.

Video Disclaimer

The attached videos are not perfect examples of how each tune should be played. They are recordings of junior high students, some of whom have had their instruments for only a few months. Also, they are not professional recordings. They were taken by band parents using home equipment and naturally focusing on their own children.

I include them for two reasons: (1) To give you an idea of what the arrangements are like, and (2) To illustrate the kind of performance you can expect from your junior high students.