MUSIC

     In the beginning, there is little vibraphone music instruction material.  If possible, instruction

should begin at the elementary level (grades 4-6).  Two mallets to start.  I recommend using an

elementary band method.  This enables the beginning vibraphonist to get immediate ensemble

experience.  Pedal markings and the use of the pedal can be put off until familiarity with the

keyboard is attained.  Use a C instrument in the band method i.e. flute which will introduce time

signatures, key signatures, and note values all in a timely manner.

      The grip and tonal sonority desired by where the mallet is struck is introduced before the introduction to the band method.  Have the student become familiar with the music before being

exposed to the rest of the percussion section.  Once this is achieved. the student is now ready to

be part of the entire band/orchestra experience.

 

Next Up

The maturing vibraphonist-middle school

 

Beginners Vibraphone Duet

                                        http://www.scoreexchange.com/scores/85914.html 

 



In The Beginning-The Vibraphonist

Don't Start The Program Without Us!

     Where to start?  The beginning mallet player is often introduced to the marimba or xylophone.  Most school programs have these at hand-especially at the upper levels (grades

7-12),  If you are lucky enough to have a vibraphone at the elementary level, consider yourself

fortunate.  This is where the problem begins.  If the teacher has no instrument to introduce

the student to the instrument, the instrument is likely not to be introduced at all.  As with

most instrumental lessons, it should really begin at the elementary school level-preferably

grade 4.

     In terms of mallet methods for the vibes, the pickings are few.  One reason for this small library of music is perhaps the instrumental music teacher has little knowledge of where to begin.  Two mallets at first.  Pedal markings can be postponed until the student(s) become

familiar with keyboard.  An alternative to a mallet introductory method is using the band

instrumental method of another instrument (flute).  Not the perfect intro-but at least a 

starting place.  In addition, this can be used when the entire band is rehearsing from the

method.

     In future blogs, I will elaborate on having the vibraphone being a part of your instrumental

program.

     For starters, use the link below to view a HaMaR publication for the elementary vibraphonist with piano accompaniment

http://www.scoreexchange.com/scores/102516.html

Promoting Vibraphone Compositions

www.hamarpercussion.com

     Transcriptions for mallet percussion are often arranged/transcribed for marimba.  Overlooked is the vibraphone. In an effort to bring to the forefront this instrument, a

 number of transcriptions and original compositions are available from HaMaR.  All those  listed below are available as digital print on demand.  AFTERNOON IN THE PARK  

 is  a jazzy ensemble featuring the vibraphone.

                                                 AN AFTERNOON IN THE PARK

http://www.scoreexchange.com/scores/187914.html

      For solo vibraphone, is Debussy's GOLLIWOGG'S CAKEWALK- transcribed from

  his CHILDREN'S CORNER

GOLLIWOGG'S CAKEWALK

http://www.scoreexchange.com/scores/110038.html

     

     A tutorial publication is Dionisio Aguado's EIGHT LESSONS FOR SOLO VIBRAPHONE

EIGHT LESSONS

http://www.scoreexchange.com/scores/180802.html

      In future blogs, the promotion of the vibraphone and its literature will be explored.



Don't Start The Program Without Us!

    Compiling NOT JUST ANOTHER SNARE SOLO BOOK by Kirby Jacobsen for release by the end of February. An accompanying commentary CD for each solo will be included. 

Harry Marvin, Jr.
 

Visit us at:

http://www.hamarpercussion.com/




Don't Start The Program Without Us!

    Compiling NOT JUST ANOTHER SNARE SOLO BOOK by Kirby Jacobsen for release by the end of February. An accompanying commentary CD for each solo will be included. 

Harry Marvin, Jr.
 

Visit us at:

http://www.hamarpercussion.com/



Don't Start The Program Without Us!

HaMaR PERCUSSION PUBLICATIONS continues to grow. Our larger website with new titles is available now.

Harry Marvin, Jr.
 

Visit us at:

http://www.hamarpercussion.com/