Kettledrums in an orchestre.

[Exident]

Hey,

i´m a 15 years old drummer. I´m in a boarding school and last music lesson my music teacher asked me, wether i would like to play kettledrums in the orchestre because the kettledrummer will leave 2007. He will make the Abitur and after they will need a new one.

Ok great, i like the idea of playing kettledrums in an orchestre but i have no idea how to start practicing.
We have two good Yamaha Kettledrums in school and i could also practice everyday, but what should i practice?
Are the special techniques, special stick holding techniques, pedal techniques, tipps for read reals notes etc.

I would be very pleased if someone could give me a ground to build up the rest.

Thank you,

MfG
Tobias

[Mcot2]

For grips there usually only two that people use, french or German. When I used to play tympani I used french because I liked how it didnt muffle the sound as much.

As learning, I suggest a generic book to start off. You will have to learn to read music, and counting is so important in tympani play. I remeber quite a few songs where I had over 90 measure breaks in between my playing. Depending on the complexity of the songs you might have to tune the drums to a different pitch mid song, esp if your only using 2 drums.

[jeffwj]

Ear training and recognition of pitch and intervals is just as important as technique. Also there are muffling techniques so that the pitches do not overlap. Seek out a good teacher whose expertise is in this area.

Hope this helps,
Jeff

[Pete Stoltman]

Ear training is essential. Get some time on a keyboard and start to work on being able to recognize interval relationships between two pitches. For technique work on single strokes. You don't have to be incredibly fast but clean singles are the key. If you can get some time on the tympani (kettledrums) start learning how to "draw the tone out" of the drum.

[Exident]

Hey

that helped alot.
Thank you i will try all of this out.
Would be pleased about more help.

MfG
Tobias

[hauk]

most timpanists seem to use french grip, its just in general better suited for it. i'd say my biggest problem with timpani/kettledrums is tuning, so maybe practice that some

[Talon]

Kettle drums, other than drum set, are the best kind of percussion. Definitely do it! :D

Also, if you're looking for a book to start with, definitely get this one:

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/93/6b/1ea4124128a009d1e091a010._AA240_.L.jpg
Saul Goodman's "Modern Method for Tympani"

You know how people say Stick Control is the drummer's bible? Well, this is the ultimate tympani book. It carries you all the way from beginner to seasoned pro. The last section of the book is composed of pretty much all the baroque and classical tympani parts you'll ever need to know, too. Enjoy!

[DWfan20005]

Use Neil Peart's or Terry Bozzio's kit and you have the orchestre,lol. But yeah use the kettle drum,most definitly. I saw an orchestra play at school the other day and the timpanis (or kettle drums) gave the music so much life. I have never gotten to play the kettle drums and really want to. So I consider you to be in a very lucky position, do not let go of this oppurtunity. Try searching for classical music and film music,lots of timpani there. It will give you a sense of the kettle drums and then apply that to the instrument. Hope I'm a help.