Style Studies for Timpani focuses on the techniques and musical ideas needed to perform both solo and ensemble literature. Some of the etudes are orchestrally based, while others explore more contemporary solo and ensemble styles. They can be used effectively as etudes or for audition purposes at the beginning, intermediate and advanced levels. The etudes may also be effectively grouped to make a timpani suite.
Difficulty: Medium Easy to Medium
2 to 4 Timpani
PROGRAM NOTES
Style Studies for Timpani focuses on the techniques and musical ideas needed to perform both solo and ensemble literature. Some of the etudes are orchestrally based, while others explore more contemporary solo and ensemble styles. They can be used effectively as etudes or for audition purposes at the beginning, intermediate and advanced levels. The etudes may also be effectively grouped to make a timpani suite.
Choice of sticking is essential in the performance of any timpani part. Stickings have been indicated only in the first few etudes. After that, it becomes the responsibility of the performer to study the music for appropriate sticking choices.
ABOUT THE COMPOSER
Keith Larson is the music director of the Kansas City Youth Percussion Ensemble. The KCYPE offers student percussionists the opportunity to perform percussion ensemble literature with percussionists from all over the Kansas City metro area. Keith has taught in the Kansas City area since 1980. His former students can be found in symphony orchestras, United States military bands, teaching at the college, secondary and elementary levels, and in a wide variety of occupations, both in and out of the music profession. Keith is also an active percussion clinician. He promotes the total percussion approach to middle schools and high schools, and also lectures with college and university percussion programs concerning running a private percussion studio operation. Keith s percussion books and compositions are available from C. Alan Publications and Southern Music.
