7. SNACK-SIZE SLIDER BAG Timpani mallets can be a pricey investment. If you simply toss your expensive mallets into your case, the felt heads can get mangled. Check out this video to learn how to place the mallet heads into a small slider bag, give a twist, and protect your investment.
8. TRANSPARENT TAPE Have you been given unbound sheet music at a rehearsal? Trying to navigate a sevenpage chart while moving between congas, tambourine, and claves can be challenging enough without trying to flip through a bunch of loose paper. Several strips of tape can eliminate an element of stress and improve your performance. Toss a roll of transparent tape in your mallet case and tame the pile of paper before the rehearsal starts.
9. YELLOW TAPE Sticks and mallets are easy to locate on a trap table even in dim lighting, but smaller implements such as a triangle beater can be elusive. Your eyes will have an easier time spotting the beater if you wrap a strip of bright yellow tape around the handle.
Perhaps you have been adjusting the gauges on a set of timpani only to discover that a couple of pitch markers are missing. Or there is not enough space between the F and G markers to squeeze in the F # marker. It’ s yellow tape to the rescue! I keep several precut strips in my mallet case to fit those tight spots on the gauge track or substitute for a missing marker.
10. NOTEBOOK You’ re ready to increase the tempo of the conga tumbao variation, but you can’ t remember the BPM from your previous practice session. That’ s an example of the time-saving information that should have been recorded in your practice journal.
Keeping track of your practice and progress doesn’ t require a special journal or writing a lengthy analysis. A spiral notebook is adequate for recording some basic information to keep you on track.
Percussionists drag around a lot of expensive( and heavy) gear. All items on my office and kitchen list are inexpensive, lightweight, and ready to help.
© 2026 Mark Shelton Productions
Mark Shelton Mark Shelton is a freelance musician, educational consultant, and content creator based in Dallas / Fort Worth. Mark’ s percussion work has been heard with North Carolina Symphony, Tin Roof Tango, Daystar Television, Gateway Worship, Stonebriar Church, Wichita Falls Orchestra, Victory Channel, Strata Big Band, TALEA, and Dallas Wind Symphony.
. www. marksheltonmusic. com www. percussionforworship. blogspot. com
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