I was just wondering what level of literature should a college freshman be able to play before he enters college?
That's a pretty vague question, I know. I was just wanting some opinions.
Thanks,
Jack
Im only in jr. high, but i would think you could play something by Keiko Abe.
Jack -
The levels of skills and achievements of incoming college freshman percussionists, vary greatly from school to school, and even within a single percussion department. Some percussionists get to college with minimal (and sometimes no) mallet percussion experience, while others are already quite well versed in two- and four-mallet techniques and literature.
Based on my somewhat limited experiences as an auditioner, as well as my simple observations of incoming freshman classes during my eight years of college/university studies, I'd say that a median level of mallet percussion skills for incoming freshman would be something along the lines of:
Two mallets: the first movement of Bach's Violin Concerto in A Minor, some of the etudes in the Goldenberg book, or one of the easier George Green ragtime solos
Four mallets: Yellow After The Rain is fairly common, as are some of the easier Musser etudes/preludes.
(Note that the pieces I've listed here are presented as examples, and not the only literature I've heard used in Freshman auditions.)
JW
The entire instrument packs into 2 large coffins on heavy duty casters. They're in virtually new condition (overlooking a few airline stickers here and there) but just too big for me to keep around for the little bit that I use them.
Asking $700 plus shipping (which will be formidable. most likely in the $100 neighborhood)
please respond by email.
thanks and be well,
chris nappi
Well, when I was a freshman entering college, the requirements weren't that rough. However, I soon realized that the school I first attended was lax when it came to marimba because the teacher was uncomfortable on the instrument and he stressed timpani instead.
If you're wanting to know what type of literature you should work on as a beginning marimbist...
Buy the Leigh Stevens Method for Marimba and look in the appendix. He has a list of pieces that are fairly typical depending on your ability level.
Yes, Yellow After the Rain is a good one to start on. The whole piece is build around the 4th and 5th intervals, which are comfortable to hold while getting used to 4 mallets.
Before you delve to heavily into the 4 mallet literature, I recommend working on ear training and theory. Those two skills (along with a good ability to sightread) will definitely help you progress quickly through the 4 mallet lit.
Just my $0.02
Rob W.
owner - http://www.thevibesguy.com
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