One of the challenges of selecting percussion ensemble repertoire for educational ensembles is handling the different ability levels that are present within an ensemble. Invariably some students are more advanced and become bored with “easy” parts. Conversely, some students are still developing basic skills and can be overwhelmed (and not educationally served) by advanced repertoire.Continue reading “Percussion Ensemble Recommendations”
Category Archives: Music
2018 Recap
I’m very grateful for another active year around byHerndon! Here’s some of what went on: The North Gwinnett Middle School Percussion Ensemble performed Begin Transmission at the Georgia Music Educators Association In-Service Conference. The Milton High School Marching Band premiered The Art of Balance – which is available for purchase through The Music of AlexContinue reading “2018 Recap”
‘Jalopy’ in Percussive Notes
In addition to being a fun piece to play and program on a concert, it is also a great way to introduce young students to multiple-percussion score reading and basic extended playing techniques and notation. —Julie Licata Percussive Notes Vol. 56, No. 3, July 2018 You can check out the full review here.
‘Jalopy’s Most Important Audience
Last year I released a piece entitled Jalopy that is dedicated to my grandfather, Cleo “Grandaddy” Herndon, who passed away in 2009. During a trip in June to South Georgia I had the chance to play a recording of it for the most important audience that will ever hear it: Cleo’s widow, my grandmother, RosalynContinue reading “‘Jalopy’s Most Important Audience”
‘Begin Transmission’ on iTunes
There’s an impeccable performance of ‘Begin Transmission’ by Vandegrift High School Percussion Ensemble on iTunes from their concert at the Midwest Clinic in 2017. Check it out!
‘Close Your Eyes and Dream’ in Percussive Notes
Middle school directors looking for a simple melodic work for their program would find a good candidate in Close Your Eyes and Dream. The possible addition of vocals also makes it a great opportunity to collaborate with choral directors, and the option to augment the forces with flexible instrumentation makes this a good piece toContinue reading “‘Close Your Eyes and Dream’ in Percussive Notes”
Murrah High School Percussion Ensemble plays ‘Begin Transmission’
Here’s an awesome performance of ‘Begin Transmission’ by Murrah High School Percussion Ensemble!
2017 Recap
I’m happy to report another exciting year in the world of byHerndon! All The Trees Clap Their Hands was premiered by the Milton High School Indoor Drumline and received a shout out from Chad Floyd who composed “Summer Treehouse” which was featured in the show as source music. The Tipping Point (performed by the MiltonContinue reading “2017 Recap”
Toboggan From Above
Continuing a five-year tradition, the 9th Grade Percussion class worked up Toboggan after the Fall Concert to perform at the Winter Concert. They only had a week to do this! It’s a good example of how “easier” pieces can be appropriate for more advanced ensembles if the timeframe is short. I was able to catchContinue reading “Toboggan From Above”
Begin Transmission in SCHLAGZEUFEST at IMEC 2017
Begin Transmission finds itself in some very good company on this repertoire list from Christopher Dandele’s presentation, “SCHLAGZEUFEST! and Other Strategies to Create a Culture of Excellence in Your Percussion Section”. (That is a mouthful!) Mr. Dandeles presented at the Illinois Music Education Conference in January, 2017.
By Herndon | MUSIC 