Scoring for Percussion

1
Scoring for Percussion

• Less is More

2
The Percussion Section

• The possibilities are limitless.
• The overuse of the section can be deadly.
• In trying to cover up weak spots, it can often
  obscure important musical events.
• Fortissimo timpani doubled by bass drum will
  cover the entire orchestra.
• Instruments must be an organic part of the
  composition.

3
Layout in the Score

• Percussion and keyboard instruments are placed
  between the brass and string sections.
• Timpani on top, usually a maximum of 3 to 4
  percussion players, and then keyboards.
• Each percussion players generally plays several
  different instruments so the notation must be
  legible and immediately understandable.

4
Layout in the Score

• There are many ways to set up a score order. Use
  a logical and clear system to avoid ambiguity and
  misunderstanding.
• Two basic criteria for determining score order
• Highest pitched instruments on top and the lowest
  on the bottom
• And the material of construction --
• metal,
• wood,
• or membrane.

5
Assignment of Players

• Assignment of a specific group of instruments can
  be very important if
• The position of the instruments on stage is
  predetermined by what is required and the
  available physical space.
• Which instruments are are being played at the
  time.
• A player can cover more than one instrument at a
  time by having a different mallet or beater in
  each hand.
• Take into account stick changes, movement from
  one instrument to another, and/or if the player
  will be required to perform a roll.

6
Notation

• All instruments must be clearly labeled at the
  beginning of the score and in the parts.
• Pitched percussion is notated on a five-line
  staff, either bass, treble, or sometimes a grand
  staff.
• Nonpitched instruments can be notated in a
  variety of ways.
• One or two lines work if only one or two
  instruments are used.

7
Notation

• Most percussionists prefer to have all the
  instruments they play combined onto a single
  staff.
• Indicate in the score if a player is moving to
  another instrument. For example, if a
  percussionist is playing the triangle and needs
  to move the the bass drum, indicate to Bass Drum
  at the end of the triangle section, and indicate
  Bass Drum at the beginning of the bass drum
  section.
• It is extremely important to allow time for the
  player to switch between instruments and beaters.

8
Percussion Section Setup

• Unless a particular setup is required, it is best
  to allow the percussion section leader or players
  to create their own.
• The choreography of some compositions can be very
  complex -- leave it to the pros.
• If the percussion parts are extensive or complex,
  check with a percussionist to develop a suggested
  setup.
• Make the diagram simple and clearly labeled with
  the position of instruments, which player is
  covering those instruments, and any special
  requirements.

9
Uses of Percussion

• Five ways the percussion section has been used in
  Western orchestral scores
• To simulate march music or give an ethnic flavor
• To emphasize accents and general rhythmic
  activity
• To build or cap a climax
• To create a dramatic beginning
• To color certain pitches or entire passages by
  doubling other instruments of the orchestra.
• Some composers are using the recently, highly
  developed techniques, and using the section as an
  independent, contrasting choir to the other
  choirs in the orchestra.