PERCUSSION
SLIGHTLY UNORTHODOX | Mark Shelton
Composers , arrangers , and performers have explored and experimented beyond traditional tone production methods to find new tone colors . Saxophonists use odd fingerings to produce multi-phonics , violinists bow behind the bridge , clarinetists rhythmically click keys and pads , and brass players sing notes while playing to form chords . These alternate methods of tone production are often referred to as extended techniques .
Percussionists are certainly not strangers to using anomalous methods .
A few of the following extended techniques might become part of your tone palette for worship services while others will serve as inspiration for your creativity .
SWIRLING DISCS The standard crash with hand cymbals can be quite dramatic , but the plate roll has a high cool-factor due to its combination of sonic and visual effects . To play the plate roll , swirl the cymbals against each other using circular motions . You can start the roll with the cymbals already in contact with each other or play a crash and immediately move into the roll . ( Yes , I ’ ve used the plate roll at church !) The following video allows you to see the technique and hear the desired sound . ( Vid 1 )
TIMPASNARE Place a snare drum directly onto the head of a timpano ( singular of timpani ). Make sure the snares are ON and begin playing on the head of the kettledrum with drum sticks . You will hear an interesting combination of a low pitch
from the timpano and the vibrating snares . Go further by moving the timp pedal while you play . ( I learned this one from the legendary Bobby Christian .)
ALT SHAKER Instead of a conventional eighth or sixteenth note shaker pattern , substitute the gritty sound of a shekere by playing the instrument in a nontraditional manner . Hold the instrument with the neck parallel to the floor with one hand gripping the neck and the other hand holding the opposite end . Use the same out-in motion as traditional shaker technique . Check out this video for a quick demonstration . ( Vid 2 )
BEYOND THE SKINS Drumming need not be restricted to striking the head . Playing on the shell of the drum is
( Vid 1 ) ( Vid 2 ) ( Vid 3 )
The Plate Roll Shekere : Alternate Technique Cabasa : Strike , Scrape , & Shake