Percussion Axiom TV: Episode #46 "It's all in the Prep.."

After some vacation time away, we get back to regular shows... This week we talk a bit about the animal that is being a show percussionist. Its all about the preparation! Get an inside look at what happens from the pit of Wicked... Let me know if you like it.. I may do another if you do.

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Links mentioned: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=69826024573&ref=ts

Category:

Music

Tags:

• wicked
• percussion
• thomas burritt
• burritt
• marimba

[hueiyuanpan]

My first year as an undergraduate percussion major, I was assigned to a performance of Harrison/Cage's "Double Music." The piece called for two sistrums, and seeing as how the studio only owned one, my professor handed it to me, along with a broken tambourine and a wire coat hanger. From there, all he said was, " You need another one of these."

Thanks, TB!

[tburritt1971]

@hueiyuanpan One of my favorite stories!

[tburritt1971]

Good story.... Yes, most of the newer shows especially, have a classical/concert percussion part. Thanks for the comment!

[RockerBug17]

A few summers ago I was playing and organizing a 6 piece pep band for a local soccer team. When I got to the gig I realized I had forgotten my throne. Not only that, but I forgot my stick bag! So, I ended up playing the gig sitting in a lawn chair and drumming with all natural drumsticks (fallen tree limbs I pulled from a nearby forest).

[TheDigitalMonk]

great axiom! I've always wanted to play in a musical's pit orchestra, but I've always been a little discouraged since my drumset playing is my weakest. It's good to see that some of the leading shows have classical percussion parts too though.

And as for my story, I was playing a very big concert with my high school orchestra, and halfway through one of our pieces, I noticed that I was missing a page, so when I had about a 20 measure rest, I walked off stage to frantically find it. Close call!