As educators of young percussionists, a question we can often ask is: how do I help move my percussion section from functional to musical? This session will provide quick and effective solutions to elevating the experience for the percussion students while having an overall positive impact on the ensemble. We can often overlook the accessory percussion instruments and this session will highlight ways to teach artful approaches to such instruments as the tambourine, triangle, concert bass drum, and crash cymbals. From the creative use of a black hand towel, to considering the use of a throne, these tips will provide helpful perspectives on the overall musical approach and health of the percussion student’s experience.
Target Audience
Band directors, orchestra directors, percussion teachers, percussion students
Additional Notes
Clinician Info
Jonathan Latta
University of the Pacific
Dr. Jonathan Latta is a performer, teacher, conductor, and collaborative artist. He has an active career as a percussionist having performed with the Stockton Symphony, Modesto Symphony, Sacramento Philharmonic, and the San Francisco Contemporary Music Players. Prior to coming to California, Dr. Latta served as principal timpani for the San Juan Symphony for 6 years, and recently served his last season as principal percussion for the Music in the Mountains Festival Orchestra in Durango, CO. He has been seen as a regular music director, conductor, and percussionist at Stockton Civic Theatre since 2021. In 2019, Dr. Latta performed at the prestigious Carnegie Hall as a soloist with the University of the Pacific Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Most recently, Dr. Latta can be heard as a soloist and helped produce the Pacific Wind Bands recording, From a Deep Blue Sky.