Junior High Band
Study Guides

Percussion Study Guide 2

Download a Microsoft Word version HERE.

  1. The five basic musicianship skills are Tone, Intonation, Technique, Rhythm, and Interpretation.
  2. When you strike any percussion instrument, think of pulling the sound out, not pounding the sound in.
  3. Know which note to play for concert B♭, E♭, A♭, and D♭.
  4. Know the meaning of the words and symbols in book 1.
  5. The two approaches to rolls are (1) open-closed-open and (2) preparatory stokes.
  6. The objective or goal of rolls is to produce a sustained sound. The following are essential elements to "silky smooth" rolls:
    • Use a matched set of sticks.
    • Strike the head in the same spot with each stick.
    • Make the bounce stroke sound the same as the swing stoke.
    • Maintain an even alternation of hands.
  7. To determine the preparatory stokes for a given roll, divide by two and round up. Example:
    • 5-stoke roll
    • 5 divided by 2 is 2 1/2
    • 2 1/2 rounds up to 3
    • A 5-stroke roll has 3 preparatory stokes
  8. The tempo is what determines which rolls you use.
  9. The top number of a time signature indicates how many beats per measure.
  10. The bottom number of a time signature indicates what kind of notes receives one count.
  11. x is a double sharp. It raises the pitch two half steps.
  12. Double Flat is a double flat. It lowers the pitch two half steps.
  13. Be able to count and recognize the following rhythm patterns:
    Rhythm Patterns
  14. Be able to diagram the following rhythm patterns:
    Rhythm Diagrams

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.