The start of second semester was quite difficult in
preparation for my recital. Since the recital was scheduled earlier, I decided
to start practicing during the semestral break. As soon as classes resumed, I
practice everyday during my free time. I come to school early and go home late
to improve my repertoire. Also, the audition being one week before the actual
recital, I had to make use of the limited time.
Here is a video clip of my extremely advanced rudimental solo for snare drum..
Rudiments, speed, and visual effects are the key points to be able to play this piece.
A percussionist should be an "all-rounder". What do I mean by that? For those who don't know, one must be able to play different percussion instruments mainly snare drum, marimba, multi-percussion, and timpani.
This piece for solo timpani consists of metric changes and contrapuntal dance rhythms played at different speed. Intonation, different strokes, and articulation are some factors to be able to produce a good tone quality Accuracy is also needed, for the composer requires different playing spots which are normal playing spot, center, and near the rim.
Just what I said, a percussionist also needs to play good marimba.....
Every classical musician should have a "taste" of Baroque music for it requires virtuosity... Since we don't have pieces originally written for marimba during the Baroque era, Leigh Howard Stevens - a marimba virtuoso - transcribed some pieces to the marimba originally for violin or cello.
One-handed roll, and body positioning are the techniques I developed in this movement.
A multi-percussion is having various drums in a setup, and each instrument is notated accordingly by the composer.
The entire movement of this piece consists of constant rhythm... I worked on speed and accuracy in playing every drum for this movement.
Fortunately, everything turned out well. Every recitalist needs to undergo an audition. It is where the juries have our performance graded and decide on whether we can continue the recital. I was glad when I came to know that I got the highest grade a recitalist can possibly get which is 1.0.
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On the day of my recital, I was not expecting a great number of people as it was scheduled on the same day with another recital. I was awed when so many people showed up and it was a great performance.
So that's how hard I prepared for my first solo recital in my college life. There will be more to come as I continue my studies.
I would like to express my gratitude to my fellow percussion majors in UP for helping me setup the instruments I needed, to my family and loved ones for their continued support and believing in my talent, and especially to my mentor Prof. Elizalde Tolentino for every hard working lesson, for inspiring me and for honing my skills and ability to become a great musician.
