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Marimba Exercices 4

The document provides exercises to improve 4-mallet independence, control, strength, and sound quality. [1] The exercises isolate individual mallet motions within common patterns to strengthen weaker strokes and improve technique. [2] A variety of accent patterns and odd note groupings are used to emphasize different mallets and encourage control of each mallet. [3] The goal is to execute the exercises with ease to allow a more relaxed approach to patterns in repertoire.

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Mario
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140 views

Marimba Exercices 4

The document provides exercises to improve 4-mallet independence, control, strength, and sound quality. [1] The exercises isolate individual mallet motions within common patterns to strengthen weaker strokes and improve technique. [2] A variety of accent patterns and odd note groupings are used to emphasize different mallets and encourage control of each mallet. [3] The goal is to execute the exercises with ease to allow a more relaxed approach to patterns in repertoire.

Uploaded by

Mario
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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4-MALLET INDEPENDENCE:

EXERCISES TO INCREASE STRENGTH, CONTROL, HOT LICKS


AND SOUND QUALITY
BY DR. JOSHUA J. KNIGHT
TRABAJAR EN TODOS LOS INTERVALOS DESDE 2ª A 8ª

M any 4-mallet patterns are utilized in today’s repertoire. The majority of these patterns include alternating, double-lateral, and
triple-lateral strokes, with many variations. These must be carefully voiced, manipulated, and mastered in order to achieve
complete technical and musical control. While tried-and-true method books teach these basic patterns, which are extremely useful,
they fall short of providing exercises that encourage the isolation of each mallet and the strengthening of individual wrist move-
ments within these patterns. As a result, the difficult-to-execute motions remain underdeveloped.
The exercises featured below are a cross-section of those that can be used to facilitate and encourage better mallet indepen-
dence. By isolating each motion, one can develop a better understanding of the mechanics necessary to execute common patterns
or permutations. The ultimate goal is to execute each exercise with ease, allowing for a more musical and relaxed approach to these
patterns in repertoire. Greater independence is achieved by using odd note values, inserting accent patterns, altering the starting
mallet, and more, so that a new mental and physical awareness is achieved. The benefits are wide-ranging, from the strengthening
of weak mallet strokes and an increase in strength and stamina, to discovering tendencies and deficiencies in the execution of com-
mon stroke-types.
The first exercise features a simple accent pattern, using single-alternating strokes, that encourages full control of each mallet.
Repeat each measure four times or more, but play through the exercise continuously.

1
N = 60

Now, try starting the pattern on each accented mallet, therefore placing physical and mental emphasis on each mallet in the pat-
tern. Repeat each measure until comfortable, and pause between each measure.

2
N = 60

Now it is time for some fun! Use any odd-note grouping (e.g., 3,5,7,9), and place the accent on “1” of each group; you can use
triplets, or eighth-notes in groups of three, for example. I encourage you to try both and have some metronome fun, too! Play each
measure until comfortable.

3
N = 120

FEBRUARY 2019 36 RHYTHM! SCENE


variación

N = 120

Tap to play Video Ejercicio 1 - 3

In the next exercise we have the same idea used in the first two exercises, but applied to a lateral permutation. Although a 1234
pattern is featured below, also use 4321. Repeat each measure, but play the first four continuously; pause between measures 5
through 8.

N = 60 4

RHYTHM! SCENE 37 FEBRUARY 2019


Tap to play Video Ejercicio 4

The triple-lateral permutation presents some additional challenges and opportunities. Notice that it is necessary to accent each
mallet going up and down the pattern in order to isolate all wrist/hand motions. Repeat each measure four times (or more) and play
continuously through all six measures.

N = 90 5

Again, placing each mallet on the downbeat encourages the accent and feels more natural; pause between each measure.

N = 90 6

FEBRUARY 2019 38 RHYTHM! SCENE


Tap to play Video Ejercicio 5 - 6

Odd-note values, other than three, will provide a comprehensive accent pattern. Also, use a 4321234 pattern. Repeat four times
(or more).

N = 110 7

Tap to play Video Ejercicio 7

RHYTHM! SCENE 39 FEBRUARY 2019


Apply this idea to any pattern! Here is an example of a hybrid pattern you might encounter.

Ejercicio 9
Tap to play Video

Finally, here are two of my most-utilized variations; both anchor on the idea of inverting the common pattern. For example,
double and triple-lateral patterns typically begin with the outer mallets, further perpetuating the weakness of the inner mallets.
Therefore, invert the pattern by accenting and placing the inner mallets on the beat. This will emphasize the inner mallets while
highlighting volume, timbre, stroke, etc.

N = 90 9

FEBRUARY 2019 40 RHYTHM! SCENE


Dr. Joshua J. Knight is the Assistant Professor of Percussion at Missouri Western State University. He holds
a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Oklahoma, and he earned his Master of Music and
Bachelor of Music degrees from the University of Central Arkansas. Knight has presented and performed at
regional, national, and international events such as PASIC, the National Conference on Percussion Pedago-
gy, the Texas Music Educators Association Conference, the College Music Society Regional Conference, and
several state days of percussion. He serves on the PAS Education Committee, as well as the College Music
Society, TMEA, and MMEA. For more information about Dr. Knight visit knightpercussion.com. R!S

RHYTHM! SCENE 41 FEBRUARY 2019

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