I know what you're thinking . . . another boring timpani clinic right?

I think that one of the problems with timpani clinics is that it is absolutely impossible to satisfy everyone's expectations.

There are probably some of you who are just beginning to get acquainted with this instrument and others who have studied it for many years. Beginning students all the way up to professionals - so how can you cover every possible category and topic? You can't - - so what I've decided to do today is to introduce some basic timpani technique and integrate the technique with a number of orchestral works.

This should satisfy the entry-level student who is interested in general technique for the timpani AND the more experienced player who may be curious about orchestral excerpts for the timpani.

Basic technique that will be covered will include:

• Timpani grips
• General sound production and strokes
• Muffling and cross-sticking
• Balance, Rolls and tuning
• General sticking/phrasing and Mallets

You will also hear excerpts from:

• Verdi: Requiem
• Brahms: Symphony No. 1
• Holst: The Planets
• Beethoven: Symphony No. 9
• Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique
• Beethoven: Symphony No. 8
• Mozart: Symphony No. 39
• Strauss: Burleske
• Gershwin: An American in Paris
• Stravinsky: Firebird Suite

This information was presented at the VA/DC PAS Chapter's Day of Percussion on April 1, 2000 at Washington-Lee High School in Arlington, VA.