New Student Information - Percussion

All Iroquois High School Percussion students are required to have their own copy of "Alfred Drum Method, Book 2" for our weekly lesson program. This book can be purchased at local music stores (Twin Village Music, Music & Arts, etc.), and is also very easily found on Amazon.

In addition, it is important for all Iroquois Percussionists to have the equipment listed below. These items again can be purchased at local music stores (Twin Village Music, Music & Arts, etc.), or an online dedicated music retailer. Amazon in this instance is probably not the best source.

1) At least one good quality pair of drum sticks. Vic Firth SD1 is my recommendation for concert snare drum playing. Drum sticks other than the Vic Firth SD1 may be acceptable, as long as they are made by a quality drum stick manufacturer. Some examples of quality manufacturers include: Vic Firth, Pro Mark, and Innovative Percussion. Many sticks being sold today are very poor quality if not made by one of these brands, and are not considered acceptable for high school band.

2) A pair of medium yarn keyboard mallets. These will be used for playing suspended cymbal, marimba, and vibraphone. Any medium yarn mallets from a quality name brand are acceptable. Some examples include: Dragonfly Percussion, Vic Firth, Mike Balter, Musser, and Innovative Percussion. There are many other brands that may be acceptable, so please ask before purchasing.

3) A pair of timpani mallets. Vic Firth T1 General or T3 Staccato are excellent choices. Either model is acceptable, although the T1 General will probably be easier to find.

4) A stick bag with your name on it. The type of stick bag does not matter as long as it has several pockets on the inside to keep things organized, and will fully zip closed. 

5) A good quality metronome is highly recommended. There are numerous free metronome apps that work well and can be used on most electronic devices.