the infamous porgy and bess xylophone solo/lick

if I plan on learning this myself, what is the best sticking overall?

I've seen it done three ways, i'll describe the first few notes: straight alternate sticking, LLR LLR LLRLRL etc.., and what most people do: LRR LRR LRRL etc..

is the most popular one the most effective in terms of speed and accuracy?

For me, the LLRLLRLLRLR version worked the best. I found that made all the doubles only a 2nd apart, as opposed to alternating between jumping a 4th, a 3rd and a 2nd at that tempo. Of course, RRLRRL is possible, but it just seemed like the potential for problems was greater (for me anyway) as the interval is constantly changing...

Good luck!
N

I play the double left sticking, only because it was the sticking i first learned and never felt like re-learning. But after hearing for two years at Manhattan school, and it being played various different way, I prefer it to be alternated. I think it just sounds the best and there are more options in your phrasing by playing it that way.

al