Percussion

Percussion Department

The percussion department offers tuition in orchestral percussion and drum kit. Students have a individual class, which focuses on the leaning aspects specific to the instrument, and an ensemble class, which focuses on developing group playing skills. The ensembles for percussion and drum kit students are the wind bands, the stage band and percussion ensembles.

Drum kit tuition focuses on preparing students to be able to perform in a wide range of musical styles that reflect the performing trends in today’s musical world. Much of the tuition utilises backtracks so the students can play as if they were playing in a band. The advantages of this are numerous, but a very important aspect is learning to play in a realistic setting. Material is drawn from a variety of syllabi for the greatest variety of material. These syllabi include Trinity Guildhall, Trinity Rock and Pop, and Rockschool.

Orchestral percussion students have the full gamut of percussion instruments to learn. Mallet percussion, timpani and snare drum are the main focus for orchestral percussion students. A full set of percussion instruments is available for tuition and practicing, and a wealth of repertoire, built up over the last three decades ensures that all aspects of percussion playing can be covered. In addition there are hire instruments available for students to practice at home. The percussion ensembles deal with group playing and developing listening skills, but also provide students with the opportunity to learn techniques for the many other percussion instruments they may play in wind bands or other ensemble settings.

The Drum Kit Exposé 2011

In 2011, past pupil Mike Horne was invited to do a shared workshop with Heinrich Goosen. Heinrich studied with David West in his matric year, and then with Frank Mallows at UCT's South African College of Music. Mike Horne studied with Frank Mallows at Beau Soleil during his school years and then continued to complete a degree at UCT.

Heinrich discussed the importance of accurate co-ordination between hands and feet. He also went through some grooves to indicate useful methods to improve a variety of techniques. After breaking down various grooves and rhythms, he improvised a solo based on a Samba style which showed his incredible co-ordination and creativity. Mike invited a couple of other musicians and explained some aspects about ensemble playing in a live band environment. He also explored a variety of different styles all demonstrated through performing pieces with the band. At the time, we only planned a one-off event, but the response was positive and planning started for a second event the next year.

2006 Workshop

At the end of the school term in 2006, Beau Soleil hosted a workshop focusing on mallet percussion. The workshops were conducted by Vibraphone specialist, Frank Mallows Marimba specialist Magda de Vries.

End of term percussion concerts

All students at Beau Soleil receive ensemble tuition in addition to their individual classes. In order to cover some important learning aspects, percussion ensemble tuition is offered at different levels.

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Percussion Gallery

The Drum Kit Exposé

This annual event is a performance based workshop that features elements related to the drum kit. It takes place in the third term each year, straight after the end of term percussion concert.

In 2011, past pupil Mike Horne was invited to do a shared workshop with Heinrich Goosen. At the time, it was only planned as a one-off event, but the response was positive and planning started for a second event the next year.

The 2012 and 2013 editions were focused on reading music, a skill that is becoming increasingly important in professional drummers working in the music industry worldwide. Paul Bothner Music provided assistance in the form of additional equipment and prize give-aways.

The involvement of Yamaha Music SA and SoundOut, along with the continued support from Paul Bothner Music, in the productions from 2014 onward has enable us to put on a professional production with top quality sound and impressive lighting displays. There is always a theme for each production and the workshop is more performance based, with at least 4 drummers performing in each show. in more recent events we have been using more live musicians, rather than just pre-produced back tracks. Yamaha's involvement has stretched beyond back-line support. They have provided a full drum kit as the main give-away for 2014, 2015, 2016 & 2017. Paul Bothner Music and Zildjian have provided sponsorship in the form of cymbals, sticks and other items at each of these events. Please look under "Percussion News" for individual write-ups of each event.