Because there are factors unique to this section, percussion instrumentation has to be determined in a slightly different manner. Because, in a concert band, there are generally more percussionists than there are parts, much of the equipment that will be needed in the future will be keyboards (xylophone, marimba, vibes). The extra students who are not assigned a part will double the keyboard parts rather than not participate. Along with practice pads, these instruments are also tools that are used on a consistent basis in class.
Marching percussion is another matter. Here, every student plays a part all of the time. With this in mind, by determining what equipment is needed to outfit the marching percussion section, decisions can be made regarding equipment that will be necessary for both middle school and high school. This table shows a prediction of percussion section numbers and the breakdown of instruments.
Note that the battery breakdown shows the number of snares/number of quads/number of bass drums. These are the optimal numbers that would b used to keep a balanced battery section. The Front Ensemble includes all of the marimbas, xylophones, bells, synthesizers, and auxiliary percussion as well as the heavy duty carts on which many front ensemble instruments are mounted.
By taking this information along with current inventory, it can be determined what equipment must be acquired to outfit this section over a given period of time. Due to the wear and tear of the instruments, the battery is completely replace every 5-6 years.
Electronic equipment used in marching band must be a consideration as well. This would include synthesizers, keyboard microphones, sound libraries, speakers, subwoofers, speaker carts, MIDI controller and interface, computer, and wind solo microphones.
Marching percussion is another matter. Here, every student plays a part all of the time. With this in mind, by determining what equipment is needed to outfit the marching percussion section, decisions can be made regarding equipment that will be necessary for both middle school and high school. This table shows a prediction of percussion section numbers and the breakdown of instruments.
Note that the battery breakdown shows the number of snares/number of quads/number of bass drums. These are the optimal numbers that would b used to keep a balanced battery section. The Front Ensemble includes all of the marimbas, xylophones, bells, synthesizers, and auxiliary percussion as well as the heavy duty carts on which many front ensemble instruments are mounted.
By taking this information along with current inventory, it can be determined what equipment must be acquired to outfit this section over a given period of time. Due to the wear and tear of the instruments, the battery is completely replace every 5-6 years.
Electronic equipment used in marching band must be a consideration as well. This would include synthesizers, keyboard microphones, sound libraries, speakers, subwoofers, speaker carts, MIDI controller and interface, computer, and wind solo microphones.
