"THE ULTIMATE PERCUSSION METHOD BOOK" AS REVIEWED BY PERCUSSIVE NOTES
MAGAZINE:
"The ambitious goal of this method could not be
more easily stated-"to create well-rounded percussionists who can perform
well." The emphasis on developing the "well-rounded" player is
pre-eminent in Snow's approach, which attempts to address a variety of
instruments. Upon conclusion of the 163-page text, the student will
have been introduced to fundamental performance concepts on snare drum (flams,
buzz strokes, recognition of different playing areas, control of stick heights
for dynamic differentiation, accents), bass drum, triangle, tambourine,
sleighbells, the mallet-keyboard instruments, maracas, congas, drumset,
suspended cymbal, crash cymbals, instruments in a multi-percussion setup,
woodblock and timpani.
The idea of introducing the beginner to a variety of
instruments is not unique to this method, nor is it necessarily the most
challenging aspect of its pedagogical approach. That challenge would be to
develop students who are not merely introduced to to all the instruments listed
above, but who can perform well on each of them. The text makes a valiant effort
to solve this problem by using an approach in which material is constantly
reviewed and reinforced, and does not concentrate solely on the pursuit of
technical prowess. It encourages the development of the student musician through
the use of a hands-on approach to teach concepts of music theory, including
games intended to develop listening skills.
The publication is ideal for classroom instruction and is
tailor-made for band directors who are not percussionists. It provides detailed
checklists and even suggests specific verbal responses to reinforce student's
performances. Helpful photographs, warm-up material, and solo and duet
performance pieces also add to the pedagogical value of the text. In fact, it is
difficult to cite any significant shortcomings, with the exception of noting
that it would benefit from a comprehensive index.
Review written by John R. Raush, Percussive Notes, June 2002
"COMPOSITIONS FOR PERCUSSION" AS REVIEWED BY PERCUSSIVE NOTES MAGAZINE:
"Unlike most collections of percussion works
that focus on one instrument, Compositions for Percussion includes solo,
duo, and trio works for mallet-keyboards, snare drum, drumset, timpani, and
multiple percussion. Most are one- or two-page works designed to be learned
relatively quickly. The solos works are written on two staves, which might
initially confuse some students, but this is a minor point.
Volume 1 contains 46 works that begin with
simple quarter-note solo and duet pieces in common time and quickly progress to
works with triplets and sixteenth notes. Volume 2 introduces more complex
meters (such as 6/8, 7/8, and 5/4), meter changes, multiple percussion solo
pieces, and timpani pieces. Volume 3 includes Afro-Cuban solos and
ensembles, keyboard solos (which require free improvisation), and
drumset/percussion duos. Volume 4 contains 24 pieces that require
advanced concepts from the player-quintuplets, pedaling on timpani, frame drum
ability, Brazilian and Afro-Cuban folkloric rhythms, four-mallet technique,
melodic improvisation based on modal and functional harmonic frameworks, and
ability to construct chords from a chord lead sheet.
This collection would be of use to any studio teacher who
needs short solo and small ensemble literature for a variety of instrumental
combinations and ability levels, or band directors who must provide material for
their students. "
Review written by Terry O'Mahoney, Percussive Notes, Volume
40, No. 1, February 2002
HERE'S WHAT THE PROS HAD TO SAY:
Finally, a beginner book that my students and I can play from together. The
titles alone will catch the attention of today's often distracted percussion
students. I can't wait to use the advanced volumes as my students progress. If
you're in need of a refreshing approach to percussion method books, check out
Scott Snow's "Compositions for Percussion". You won't regret it!
Julie Angelis
U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" - Washington, DC
Maryland Symphony - Hagerstown, MD
Scott Snow’s "Compositions for Percussion" covers all the bases!
He has provided students of all levels with detailed and musical solos on a
variety of percussion instruments. These books would make an outstanding
supplement to any percussion program.
James P. Ancona
Assistant Director Blue Hen Marching Band – University of Delaware
Front Ensemble Arranger – Santa Clara Vanguard Drum & Bugle Corps
Scott Snow has authored a comprehensive set of books covering a wide spectrum
of styles. The solos and duets are refreshing, interesting and fun to play.
These books are sure to be a valuable addition to any percussion library. I
highly recommend them!
Neil Grover
Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra
Grover Pro Percussion
Thanks to ROBO-PERCUSSION MUSIC for presenting a format that will be
rewarding to the percussionist regardless of what level they may be at. It’s
great to have COMPOSITIONS FOR PERCUSSION to accompany whatever text a student
may be working from. These books will be a fine addition to the teaching
repertoire for private and group lessons!
Neil Larrivee
Percussion Director – King Philip Regional High School
Pit Arranger and Percussion Staff – The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps
Great
site and great work you've been doing. I just got a call from an elementary
school teacher who was interested in introducing Afro-Cuban instruments to her
band and I will definitely recommend your courses.
Jim Greiner
Nationally-Recognized Percussionist, Educator, and Drum Circle Leader
www.handsondrums.com