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Timpani Notes
A Band Director's Reference for Kettle Drums
Strokes
Common Stroke
This is a natural stroke. Keep the last three fingers on the hand in contact with the stick and let the felt fall straight down to the drum. Relax the wrist and allow the mallet to rebound naturally. Aim for a relaxed and comfortable feel.
Legato Stroke
Begin by performing a common stroke. Before the mallet strikes the head, lift the hand away. The impact of the stroke should occur after the upstroke has begun. The player should have a sense of pulling tone out of the head of the drum.
Staccato Stroke
To perform this stroke, the player will stop the rebound immediately after impact. Bring the mallet straight down onto the head. When the felt strikes the head squeeze the last three fingers to keep the stick in place.






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