The "Individual Practising Techniques" Course took place in Vitoria-Gasteiz on November 5th-8th. It´s been organized by the municipality, at it was addressed to the members of the percussion section playing for the Banda Municipal.
The way these percussionists got to know about me is quite curious, as they wanted me to teach the course thanks to some of them knowing "Percusize Me!" and my YouTube channel. Being requested to teach by a group of professionals that know my online efforts is something I´m very proud about.
During the course we talked about concepts such as conscious practice, constant contact with the instrument, efficiency, simplicity, economy of means, physics, variables affecting sound, and tried to eradicate some of the many myths involved with percussion.
All these concepts were mainly practised on accesory instruments, as this was the instrumental family the students were most interested in. So, we worked on techniques suitable for tambourine, triangle, castanets, cymbals and bass drum. We also spent some time explain the way I understand snare drum technique, rudiments and the control of rebound. With just one afternoon available, some basic issues on timpani technique were covered.
I was delighted with the students and their attitude (naming them students makes me feel a little embarrassed, as they are professionals!), and their response was magnificent. Obviously, I have also learnt very much during the four days I spent with them.
I would like to thank Ricardo Espinosa (from the Local Council) and Iker Olazábal (Music Director) for their kindness and professionalism and, how not, all the members of the percussion section of the Banda Municipal for wanting me to teach them. To all of you: Thanks!
For right to left: José Ramón, Elisa, Carmen, Gorka and myself.
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| © David Valdés |
…et in Arcadia ego.
© David Valdés
