Boston University

Winter Percussion Ensemble

Front Ensemble Technique Packet

2013 Ver. 0

Introduction
The information presented in this packet is designed to prepare you for success throughout the fall and
winter seasons. Please feel free to contact the staff if you have any questions.
You will see BUWPE (Boston University Winter Percussion Ensemble) used exclusively throughout this
packet. The BUWPE is a nationally-competitive percussion ensemble in the WGI circuit, and is comprised
of the same percussion members in the BU Marching Band. We teach our technique throughout the fall
Marching Band season and then segue seamlessly into the BUWPE season, where we hit the ground
running. The expectations and techniques implemented during the Fall Marching Band season are the
very same expectations and techniques implemented by the Winter Percussion Ensemble. This creates
one consistent approach starting in August and continuing through April, which allows us to compete at a
high level of excellence! It is our hope that your participation in this percussion ensemble will begin in
August and continue through April.

Expectations
All persons auditioning for the BUWPE will be evaluated in the following areas. We will discuss each
area in depth during Band Camp.

Attitude/Commitment
How much does the performer want to be part of the BUWPE? It is very important that each
member buy into what they, as an individual, can bring to the ensemble. We like to see members
that take ownership and pride in what they do, thus making the BUWPE an ensemble that everyone
wants to be a part of.
Strength of Character!
Confidence
Commitment to Attendance
Mental Approach
How well does the performer listen, absorb and apply information given to them?
Is the performer flexible with respect to style, approach, and technique?
How quickly, efficiently and accurately does the performer learn the music given to them?
Music Preparedness
How well is music prepared?
o Does the performer know all rehearsal marks and bar numbers?
o Does the performer know the written dynamics?
o Can the performer demonstrate the written dynamics?
o Can the performer demonstrate passages applying proper technique?
o Can the performer play passages without breaking?
Marching (Does not apply to members of the Front Ensemble)
Ability to apply marching technique? (Technique will be taught by the staff at Band Camp)
How well does the performer march or mark time while playing rhythms (simple to complex) or
musical passages?
Performance Evaluation Examples
Sound Quality & Volume
Timing & Tempo Control
Can the performer play together with the ensemble?
Endurance (mental and physical)

Scharton

Marimba

Mar.

Garrett Scharton

= 90-180

10

Mar.

14

Mar.

19

Mar.

24

Mar.

29

Mar.

34

Mar.

39

Mar.

43

Mar.

Bobo Exercises
Kevin Bobo

4
&4

? 44

1
5

&

&

? .

14

&

&

? .

43

.. 46 ..

.
42 ..

2 .
4 .

. 6 .

. 4 .

3 .
4

?
21

etc...

6 ..
.. 16

. 6 . . .

. 16 .

..

.

.

 = 50-150
Marimba

4
3
2
1

Mar.

Simple Strokes

BUWPE 2010

B



4
2
1

3
2
1

4
2
1

3
2
1

10

Mar.

4
3
2

4
3
1

4
3
2

4
3
1

15

Mar.

3
1

4
2

3
1

4
2

20

Mar.

4
1

4
1

3
2

23

Mar.

3
2

Permutation Progression #1
KE

& 44
b
& b

b
b
&

b b
&

10

b b

b b
b
b

b
b

bb
b b

b
b

b
b

b b

b b

b
b

Scales
Be able to play in all 12 Major, Natural Minor, and Harmonic Minor keys.

Kraus Scales (Green Scales)

4
&4
3

&

&

Two Octave Scales

6

&

&

10

&

12

Tough Guy
Tough Guy

Play in all twelve keys!

& 15
8
12
8

12
& 8

& 15
8

b
b

15
8

b
b b
b

b
b b
b

b
b

& b b

& n b b b

b
b b

Firth Study No. 3

Vic Firth

Be able to play in all keys:

major and harmonic minor.

& 44

R L R L etc

&

&

13

&

L R L R etc

Kraus Math
KE
2's

2
&4
&

12

&

&

23

&

17

3's

&
3

28

34

&

5's

&

39

45

&

6's

&

50

16th Timing
Kirk S. Etheridge

& 44

&

2
& 4

&

13

44
2

& 44

17

&

21

Accent/Tap 16
> > > > > > > > > > > >

&

>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
&
>
>
>

> > > > > > > > > > >

&

>

> > > > > > > > > > > > >

&

11

Triplet Timing
Kirk S. Etheridge

&c
4

&

&

12

&

3
3
3
3
3

3
3
3
3
3
3
3

3
3
2 3
3

3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3

3
3
&

16

3
3

Accent Tap Triplet

Kirk S. Etheridge

4 > > > > > > > >

&4

>
>
>
>
> >

& 42
3

> >

>
>
&
3

> >

>

>
3
3

>

>
3

12

>
>
>
43
3

> > > > >

>
>
> >
>

&
3

Rain
&c
&c

78 j c
78 j c

78
78
c

j c

&c

78
78

j c
c
j

&c

78
78
44
c

j
j

13

& 44

17

www
w