Pitched & Percussion Ensemble: Xylophone, Ocarina & Hand Percussion

This course focuses on pitched percussion and hand percussion technique, music elements (pitch, rhythm, structure), and ensemble decision-making. Students explore instrument organization, transfer skills between instruments, study three learner-selected pieces concurrently, and prepare for a capstone performance.

Curiousity of how sound is produced and how to organize sound to make meaningful music.

Materials needed:

Your collection of percussion instruments. Below is a list of recommendations. Please reach out to the instructor if you have any questions about what instruments work best or what you may consider purchasing. If you are interested in virtual instrument use, please sign up for our virtual instrument version of this class.

1. Piano or piano instrument

2. Xylophone or marimba or bell kit or bells (Montessori bells, 8 note xylophone)

3. Ocarina

4. Drums (bongos, conga, drum pad, drum kit, cymbals)

5. Wood block or other beater based instruments

6. Shakers