Hey percussion.
I listened to the finals tape Monday and there were some good comments on there, stuff we can work on. The judge was pretty positive throughout the finals tape.
I felt that we had a good performance on Saturday at finals, but not all the energy was there. Let's bring it all at Warrensburg.
Here's what we need to work on broken down by Tune.
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Tune 1
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*Snare stick heights need to match. You will be heard much easier (not to mention cleaner) if the stick heights line up better. Especially in a stadium like KU or Warrensburg. The judges will also be able to hear you better in the press box.
Pit, the "accelerando" in the beginning of Tune 1. We worked that Monday morning and it sounds a lot better. Remember to sit back in the sixteenth section, don't freak out. Keep on it this week.
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Tune 2
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Snares need to play louder on the 8th note ride cymbal part. We talked about that.
Crabbing: feel the upbeat in the step. This will help smooth out the marching and standardize between people during the slow marching.
Pit, he suggested playing out the wind chimes a little longer at the end of Tune 2. Try it. We can always change it back.
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Tune 3
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The opening impact has to line up every time. Consider dutting (just loud enough so the player next to you can hear you). Above all watch like a hawk and lock in. The same goes for the opening impact in Tune 1 as well, although it wasn't an issue in finals on Saturday.
He suggested that tenors play just a little bit louder in the cut time part.
Snares lets add the sword fighting visual back in because I like it.
We are considering putting the drumline a little away from the band at the end of Tune 3 so the sound and visual element isn't covered up by the band.
*Cymbals: great job. The judge applauded your guys' attention to detail throughout the show. Nothing but good things.
* = in general, not Tune specific
Everyone has put in tons of work this year. Excellent job, it really shows. I will not be able to be at the competition in Warrensburg. Let's give 'em everything we've got on Saturday.
-Matt