Why is the slur used for drum and percussion notation even though it isn't needed?
My understanding is that a "slur" in any music notation is used to indicate the playing of consecutive notes with slight overlap rather than with distinction. In drum notation a slur means strokes are to be played with a blend. An example might be a snare drum roll. It is needed so that the drum may be heard with a "prrr-ump," you might say, instead of a "rat-tat-tat." (Thanks for a2a, Dominic.)
Tied notes in mallet percussion music?
I have been playing mallet percussion for six years now and I still don't understand tied notes in mallet percussion music. I know that for wind players tied notes mean that you hold out the note for the combined value of the two tied notes but i don't know what to do for mallet percussion. I've had multiple band directors tell me different things but I never got a clear answer. Do I strike the first note and don't play second tied note or do I play both? I also know that some pieces of music are different. In most pieces of music I play the first note and forgo the second but for my Allstate audition this year I did the latter method. Is there some general rule that tells how to play tied notes for mallet percussion? The image I posted is the music I am currently trying to learn, if there is no general rule can someone at least tell me how I should play these notes?
Technologically, what is the hardest musical instrument to play?
French horn is most difficult. Even more difficult than oboe.
What are xylophone sticks called? Are there different kinds?
Oh yes! It's been too long since the last time I got a question about xylophones and other percussion-y things to answer!Xylophone sticks are called mallets, and they do in fact come in many varieties!You want to start with a nice pair of hard plastic mallets, as those will give you that sharp, punchy, sound you want. I'd recommend something like these:Malletech Bob Becker BB34 Medium Rattan Xylo/Bell Mallets "Becker Blues"You can't go wrong with a good set of Becker Blues, they're simply wonderful, and I wish I could afford them right now, I'd have twenty pairs. Not that I need twenty, or even ten... The ones I use are also quite nice, I like to think.Balter Unwound Series Fiberglass 93F Extra Hard PhenolicI'd go easy on rosewood bars with those babies, though, if you don't any ugly cracks in your pretty xylophones.You can also use rubber mallets of varying degrees of hardness. These get a more subdued sound, great for smooth rolls and soft dynamics. These are some pretty good ones.Deschler Hard Rubber Rattan MalletsEncore 413B Unwound Series 1 1/8" Soft Rubber Birch MalletsYarn and cord mallets, while generally more commonly used on vibes or marimba, also work well, especially on the lower registers. Before we got a vibraphone at my school, I was using these vibe mallets on the xylophone for jazz band. Innovative Rattan Series RS251 Medium Rattan Vibe/Marimba MalletsNowadays, these are my go-to's for vibes, marimba, and xylophone, and they are just absolutely wonderful to use. Highly recommend them, if you're looking for new mallets!Promark EG3 Evelyn Glennie Medium Birch Keyboard MalletsI will say, though, that while experimenting is good, I've had recurring nightmares involving people playing xylophones with brass mallets, timpani mallets, triangle beaters, and- God have mercy on our souls- chime hammers. Please don't use any of those on any xylophone you ever happen to come across, even if the xylophone's owner is a horrible, awful person who eats babies and makes a living as a professional Putter of Gum Under Chairs in Public Places.So, as long as you don't break The Law, go crazy with all kinds of appropriate mallets. Have fun!
Is it practical to learn two instruments simultaneously?
I guess it's possible to strain muscles in your fingers and wrists by overwork, and that could lead to some longer term problems. But if you're not practicing hours a day, and you take a break when it gets uncomfortable, I don't see how learning to play the flute would take away from learning to play piano for example. Normally the learning process is limited by focused attention span, so in that sense, if you're hitting your limit of concentration at 1 hour per day, learning two instruments at once could slow your progress on one or both instruments. Still, you'd be learning two instruments, which is exciting, which will add incentive.. likely increasing your total focused attention each day. I see mainly upside, specially if you pick instruments you really like..