Classical Percussionist Attempts To Play MARCHING MUSIC... 🥁

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Thank you for watching this week's challenge video! I spent 3 hours this week learning this excerpt from the Boston Crusaders... it was definitely an eye (and ear) opening experience 🎶 Let me know down below what you thought of my rendition hahaha... it could probably use more accuracy, more focus on visuals and maybe better 'pulsing' too. Or, if you have any other suggestions of marching repertoire I should try and learn, submit it at adamtanpercussion.com/submit 😬
More exciting content coming up in the next few weeks - make sure you hit that red subscribe button if you haven't already ❗
#TheStudioFamily

[@AnDream109]

Adam this is great! Really not bad for 3hrs. You already know what to work on technique-wise (obviously). Really it’s just some stylization thing and I don’t mind seeing you do these in your own style. Every group will have their own way of doing things (east cost/west coast, indoor/outdoor) and their style will evolve over time through each performer. You kinda just learn it though osmosis from being around each other so much. But you can focus on things like: how they bring mallets up and down (keep the head of the mallets close to the keyboard), what their doing during a rest (like the little scoops they do on “hey hey” there was another one in there I don’t remember where where there was a little “floating” happening), how they pulse and crash, and stick heights because freaking everything is high, especially if it’s fortississimo. You already caught on to most of these thing on your own so really good work!

[@AnDream109]

Okay so like in 4 after E during the rest there’s a little up/down they do with their mallets. These are important especially for younger groups who haven’t learned how to listen, to keep them from playing during the rests, and to also make sure the come in together during the down beat. If they are all watching each other, than it should work. But still even more mature groups do it because a) it’s tradition, b) it looks cool, 3) helps the group communicate and judges love that and why not? We all want to come in on time.

[@jamesschade2254]

Adam you really need to do a reaction of Music City Mystique 2017

[@zuluechouniformsiera2365]

you should react to Champion Marching Thunder 2020 or 2019

[@FernThePlant228]

You should Check out Blue Knight 2017, they play Concerto for Percussion and Orchestra by Joseph Schwanter. Their Front Ensemble and Battery alignment is insane

[@anandlarson2134]

I think I speak for a lot if not everyone else here, We would LOVE to see more of these. Theyre so cool! Keep up the the amazing work

[@FhornPatrick]

If there are any french horn players here, make sure that you give Adam's video a thumbs up! Show the percussion fam some love. Great video Adam!

[@EmbyCorgi]

It’s super cool you watch him!! Love your vids too!

[@Icedmanta]

Perhaps this means Patrick might play some drum corps stuff sometime :O

[@anonymousfrog1334]

Did you ever play mello Patrick? It’d be cool to hear you try some marching stuff too

[@jacobsmith8619]

It is so interesting to see how much different your touch is as compared to the other video.

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Haha I think I just play softer in general, not used to having to blast so hard

[@davidkeller9345]

especially from someone who marched and was taught by moyer team. this is wild lol

[@TylerDunphy]

@@AdamTanPercussion for sure. marching mallet players do be slamming!

[@juanarreguin1]

Having played timpani in this front ensemble, this was such a throwback!

[@michaelcastillo9519]

Hi Juan 👋😂

[@juanarreguin1]

@@michaelcastillo9519 hi Michael, nice to see you man!

[@billg1817]

'17/18 timpani were EPIC man

[@juanarreguin1]

Bill G I appreciate it man!

[@brothaNblue]

Fam, it was only 2 years ago.

[@robertvoss7719]

I think this is super cool having been in marching band in hs, one thing that I think you missed is the enthusiasm that marching band is played with. You just don't look as hype at some parts as they do. You played it really great (also awesome that you learned it in under three hours). I just wish you had some of the marching band hype.

[@tabbybabbles5180]

As someone who marched and now plays exclusively concert, I love watching people go “backwards” especially since the environment is so different! marching is more uniformity and following the drum major with the goal being music but also visual show while concert and orchestral groups are more focused on the music emotionally and the visual aspect is a natural consequence. it’s just super interesting!! i also love getting to see closer examination of the way original pieces are moved to marching pieces. i always got to focus on the marching music and come back to the original later. basically this is the best thing i’ve seen since i’ve come off the field!

[@tabbybabbles5180]

I also really wish we got to see the ratio of time the crusaders player looks at the marimba vs drum major

[@infinitesky1495]

It was really interesting to see how much lighter your touch was compared to the video. I know it might have been helped by the mic but I think your touch being lighter helped the runs come out more tonaly.

[@AdamTanPercussion]

I'd probably get told off in a front ensemble for not playing loud enough hahaha

[@noahgormanmusic1843]

This kinda makes me want to see Adam sightread through a full scholastic-level WGI show marimba part

[@samfielder8789]

Scholastic isn’t a level, it’s a group type

[@danielvegasandoval5449]

Scholastic world? Open? A?

[@GH_percussion]

this is a drum corps recording- adam would have to play through an independent world class marimba part

[@adriangolbeck3981]

21:14 You can see the difference between a classical Percussionist and a Marching Percussionist: Always try to hit the bars in the middle for the best sound. 😎

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Gotta get that resonator

[@FilipusWisnumurti]

Do marching marimba playersoften play in the edge? Any reason for that?

[@malharlakshman]

@@FilipusWisnumurti Marching marimbas tend to go mainly for the middle of the bar, right over the resonator, to improve as much projection of sound as possible. Edges are used for fast runs where accuracy is vital. A little less sound is much more preferable compared to whack intonation

[@Bynasf]

I’ve been told that between the middle and where the rope goes through is the sweet spot on the bar, I have no idea what the reasoning behind that is, but that’s what I’ve been told.

[@AnDream109]

We usually tell our students to aim for the rails of the resonators, just slightly off center.
You can also uses edges when using 4 mallets when it’s just absolutely impossible to hit center (if the chords are awkward) as long as everyone does it the same way.

[@creapeys]

current high school junior here -
doing marching band was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. the absolute hype and adrenaline we get after performing is insane. it’s such a blast.

[@davidg1564]

I love DCI marimba, but sometimes it can be a lot of nonsense for it to be hard. Marimba is a beautiful instrument with a beautiful sound, some writers do a very good job and others not so good but I believe the best front ensembles and music comes from Santa Clara Vanguard and the blue coats! 2016 force of nature and 2018 Babylon beginning front ensemble features are beautiful

[@davidg1564]

Please learn Santa Clara Vanguard’s 2018 marimba music !

[@AdamTanPercussion]

@@davidg1564 Keen to try SCV!

[@ARZiehm]

DCI definitely tends to prioritize difficulty/technicality over play-ability, at the risk of stuff sounding nonsensical. Then again, the parts are mostly meant to flex the technical faculties of the players so 🤷

[@henwill8]

Man that's why I really want to become an SCV marimba in a few years, the Rennicks write such beautiful parts that aren't just hard for the sake of being hard

[@dansullivanstudios]

THIS is what we’ve been waiting for

[@danieldavis2049]

this is really cool! you should learn the scv 2018 marimba part......
(i think ms.rennick posted it in her facebook)
I love your videos man! keep up the good work!
-edit:facebook not instagram

[@kylixchi]

Agreed!

[@mcaeln7268]

I looked in her Facebook and I can’t find it

[@LexiKaeru]

Most of the difficulty of marching music comes from the requirement of uniformity from player to player down the line in a front ensemble. I'd also say WGI percussion music tends to be more difficult for front just because if can be a bigger focus of the writing. Would love to see a video like this for WGI music as well!

[@aid.ban.]

it’s really cool watching you just shred knowing that you come from a classical background! idk if i speak for everyone else when i say i wanna see more of these

[@rebirth5195]

OMG DUDE!! you were syncing with their pulsing and their other movements really smoothly!

[@steamcaptain3256]

Great job!! I've done marching marimba (not at THAT level, but still), so I know how hard it is. You nailed it, and in three hours nonetheless. So cool.

[@cameroncavender]

Adam, I love that you're so open to trying new things! If you're ever thinking of doing this again, I highly recommend learning SCV marimba parts. They might feel a little more natural for someone with your background.

[@chasegallmeier9642]

Fantastic, with marching percussion, especially with the Crusaders, projecting is the most important aspect. Things like hitting the center of the bars and higher stick heights. Dynamics are almost always the same thing as stick heights for the marching world.

[@robertgarza466]

What a great video, Adam. Love your outlook and discussion on the material from a classical perspective. Watching you really puts into perspective just how talented these front ensemble players are. Might have to get you to join an all ages corps :) Thanks for the video, and please keep them coming.

[@mianorfleet8186]

I know I am probably just knit picking, so please don't be offended. However, next time you should try matching the mallet height and/or style. One of the biggest challenges playing in marching percussion is everyone looking unformed. #IHopeToMeetYouSomeday

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Totally fair! I'm always surprised to see how high they go up with their upstrokes haha.

[@cocoafox]

still hoping we'll get a sequel to this someday hehe it's one of my favorite videos :')

[@Leonlion0305]

this is so cool! being a marching drum drummer who doesn't know how to play marimba, it is so cool to see you can just sing the part easily 😆. Your movement feels more elegant and relaxed when I watch the play along, maybe it is the mentioned part about the BC player is really stiff.
Anyway, very cool stuff, would love to see more

[@ToastedBread0928]

Last year our us indoor had a marimba feature that’s really cool and I think you’d like it. Azle indoor 2020

[@christianbrown2925]

Good beats! Needs more swagger

[@benjaminking8179]

Woah! Are you the center marimba from the 2019 Crossmen?

[@clayroesler6226]

Dude I think he is

[@caseythompson9603]

Preach

[@fdeleon720]

Didn’t you march bonespit? The most swag pit?

[@clarkfloer2141]

-Spit drip

[@RyanJonkerMusic]

Great analysis and performance!

[@ziggysax0607]

The Broadway show Blast! did a version that was very hype and a lot of fun.

[@griffinlevine5228]

i have always wanted to see Adam pulsing

[@cjt217]

I just found this channel and had to immediately subscribe :D

[@BRG23]

This gives me so much motivation to do my region music

[@noahcook241]

What’s up, Adam! Not sure if you’ll see this but it is important to note that this arrangement is not primarily simplified to fit the drum corps sound, but because this chunk is actually a percussion feature that is extremely dense in the battery voices. Most of these simplifications are to make room for all the notes the battery is playing and to make sure there is a clear focal point in this movement of the show. The arrangers did their best to stay as true as they could to the original piece without taking away from the drum break. Most other parts of drum corps shows are much more intricate and less blunt. But for this challenge, you picked the perfect piece!

[@oldschooldrumcorps]

Give that man a uniform!!!!

[@davidthetrombonist]

It’s kinda funny how you can see the difference between the classical style and marching style. Really cool👍

[@thorstyraccoon4216]

You need to watch two set vilolins For easiest instruments

[@thorstyraccoon4216]

It’s not gonna make percussion happy

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Hahaha I saw that, they called marimba a xylophone of course
😂

[@thorstyraccoon4216]

Adam Tan yup

[@ScottFree4all]

I was hoping you would do this type of video. Yes my experience is that marching percussion skills are a subset of classical percussion. The biggest difference is that on the field you have multiple unison players where in classical you usually have one player per part. Timing and precision are more critical in marching percussion. Oh, and then there is the marching.... What do others think of the differences?

[@noahgorganimus1529]

Would love to see you do more like this with SCV's music! :)

[@benhernandez3853]

For vic firth most of their music isn’t on the site anymore. What I like to do is copy the music over to some sort of notation software and print it out. It’s easier than scrolling through the video if you end up wanting to look through the whole piece

[@joemomma3312]

i really really like this format of describing music and then playing it it’s really interesting to watch:)

[@justinwyatt1618]

Adam, as my old band director said, "look up and smile!" Most marching band we have to use peripheral vision to play the instrument wile facing the crowds / judges. But other than that the run was nice.

[@SeanLaMontagne]

When you play it, you make it look easy.
When they play it, it looks hard.

[@swankysloth9273]

That was nasty, good work!

[@rodneyclark2113]

That was great, I can’t believe it only took you 3 hours

[@danielvegasandoval5449]

:0 my pit tech plays for the Boston crusaders!

[@ashpitti6797]

It was really cool to see the way you played it considering that marching is basically whacking the instrument as hard as possible, but i also had trouble with that so its fair. Our Marching band started a few weeks ago due to... well, yeah, but i tried playing as loud as possible and i wasn’t loud enough- Im bout to break my wrists for this show

[@samsignorelli]

"marching is basically whacking the instrument as hard as possible,"
Not true...at all. There are plenty of marching pit part that are subtle and nuanced.
I'm a brass guy, and even I know that.

[@ashpitti6797]

sam signorelli True, my parts just incredibly loud and fast- but you’re totally right, there are many places where subtle playing is necessary

[@sebastiansilva2129]

I was waiting for this episode for so long

[@lukepalumbo6506]

I CHALLENGE you to do Cavaliers 2018 on marimba, that shit insane

[@gibbyarmijo1455]

YESS IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS!!

[@matthewfudge9707]

Sign up for some DCI man. You are SOLID.

[@TheBANDit_67]

I think he's too old to march.

[@AdamTanPercussion]

I am olddddd

[@davidpulanco2715]

It's not just a matter of individual execution. You and your fellow pit have to listen to one another and be as clean and exact as possible and try to sound like one instrument. You can be as skilled as you want on an individual level, but the togetherness of the ensemble is what counts.

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Yes that's true, it's nice to hear how well they blend in the video :)

[@robpena9152]

What about some crown next time? 🤔

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Maybe I should learn to play a brass instrument too...

[@robpena9152]

Adam Tan 👀👀👀😂

[@Amadea27]

@@AdamTanPercussion oh yes. 😂😂

[@easternskys]

Amazing!

[@Andy251153]

I think you should some winter drum line front Ensemble stuff, that'd be a challenge

[@mr_torle]

I like the accents on the rests at 19:17

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Hahahaha yes!!!!

[@TylerDunphy]

I've been waiting for this for so long!!! I'd love to see you write some marching music sometime :)

[@kendrickugalde1686]

Yes i’ve been waiting for a video like this lol

[@iKentEven]

Great job Adam Tan!! I found it interesting you chose to play an east coast book rather than a west coast book seeing as your hands are so west. You should try something like the intro to SCV 2018

[@kheesheabritton]

IMPRESSIVE!!👏🏾🔥🤩

[@Someone-hx5cr]

This was absolutely amazing! You did such a good job. The only comment I would have is to pulse harder with your body and to hit the cymbal harder, though the sound produced could be the type of cymbal you used. You need to match their energy and be super confident and out there with your pulsing (time keeping by moving your body if you didn't know). But other than that it was AMAZING!

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Yes my pulsing looks terrible, I look so awkward! Hahaha thank you for your feedback :)

[@nzane1216]

YES!!! FINALLY!

[@loganmorris2793]

please please the ballad of the SCV 2018 show: Babylon

[@ItsJustLUiS]

Killed it!!

[@mason11198]

Hey, you should look at the works of gene koshinski, I'd be super cool to see you play some of them!

[@TheBANDit_67]

You should totally check out Vic Firth's learn the music for Cadets 2018. They play Demonic Thesis and it feels like they rolled dice to pick the time signature for every measure. Its really intense.

[@jtchapman01]

man with masters degree plays high school literature and passes it off as work

[@xzaelin8976]

this was awesome!! you should definitely do more videos like this, but next time could you turn the original audio down a little?

[@AdamTanPercussion]

For sure! I wasn't sure at first so I just turned it down a bit to make it sound like I was a part of the group, but now I listen it to again I think you're totally right. Thanks for suggesting :)

[@mdharvey1985]

"With" the Boston Crusaders. Lol

[@irishdrummer1974]

When we compare from the original version to Boston's version, you have to take into consideration of the venues that this music is being played. When you write for outdoor Percussion, you have to remember that the sound goes everywhere, it is not confinded by the walls of a concert hall. To play some of those parts that are missing notes or a simplified version of a phrase in a outdoor venue. You take the risk of those parts sounding very unclear, they would almost sound more of a uneven roll. Then you have to get the multiple of Marimba players, strectched along the Front Ensemble to listen to each other and line everything perfectly. W
Would be a nightmare to clean for for the Front Ensemble Tech.

[@haardshah5114]

We need to see some battery content please

[@valpal7426]

i would love to see him learn the SCV 2018 opener on marimba

[@PlushChronicles]

Hey Adam! I have the marimba music to the Santa Clara Vanguard 2018 opening. Let me know if you want it and it would be a GREAT and challenging one of these videos!

[@AdamTanPercussion]

That would be awesome! Can you email it to me at [e-mail]? I'll have to ask for permission to use it haha

[@man31776]

嘩～ 好厲害啊！

[@matthewrhodes6951]

You should try doing this but for marching snare

[@Amadea27]

Oh yesssss

[@DavidThePercussionist]

Hey! Hey!

[@AdamTanPercussion]

'hey heyyyy~~~'

[@ItsBeastiee]

ADAM TAN WITH THE BOSTON CRUSADERS?? 👀

[@andrewkimtrumpet]

SCV 2018 :))))) pleaseeee

[@ZeraKonno]

As someone that has played classical, jazz and marching instruments I can safely say you did very well for only learning classical marimba. Now I’m not a master tier percussionist but of course input is always welcome right?
If you ever decide to try another marching marimba challenge I say take extra time to try being more aggressive and somewhat in sync with the other performers (as in stick height, pulsing and such). Heck I challenge you to possibly learn a whole show for a video!
My actual challenge for you is one of two that you can choose.
1) learning the Blue Devil’s 2019 show “Ghost Light”
2) learn a specific section from Ghost Light
Show/Full Score: ua-cam.com/video/toyUfdQiiLQ/v-deo.html
The specific section would be 8:44-9-33
(The time stamp is the best part of the whole show in my opinion)

[@dylanfranz3985]

You should try the bluecoats 2019 front ensamble music. Some of the runs are pretty damn hard.

[@Bronsonau]

i'm sure most would love to see you play some scv stuff

[@williamsmall808]

I play both classical marimba and marching band marimba. I always feel like I am entering a complete different mindset when I play the 2, its a bit nauseating

[@kaydenkaboobi]

now imagine if adam tan had the opportunity to audition for dci

[@dirkdelaender3832]

Hey Adam. Surely you can play the notes as a classical musician.
I am also classical schooled, but when you join a Drum & Bugle corps and play in the front ensemble, there is so much more then just play the notes and use your techniques. I don.t say you have to start from zero when you join a D&B corps as a classical, but surely there is so much more going during a performance. Facial expressions, body language, full strokes, down strokes, upstrokes and so on.
Anyways, you did a pretty good job

[@joncatarroja1054]

The main difference I saw was the height of the mallets. Marching band is more showy so the mallets move much more.

[@cannolivibraphone]

My hypothesis before the video on if classical skills translate to the marching world: no, but most of the difficulty comes from playing it exactly the same as 15 other people so we'll see
I was wrong

[@chrislugo5838]

I was heavily involved in marching music but did study percussion classically for several years, several of the older classical teachers I had were very much against marching band even going as far as to call it untalented. I never understood why they were so against marching music. Is there someone here who might have a take from a classical side?

[@devinqw123c7]

hehe I march snare drum

[@f.r.4446]

How is this "Marching piece" called?
"Marimba Spiritual Rip Off Op.1" ?

[@shadowkille8r99]

10/10

[@belle8360]

lmao i can give you my old show music from Breakthrough Indoor 2018-20 if you need something for part two 🥴

[@bon_m]

🔥🔥🔥

[@alyssar7477]

Idk about classical percussion but in marching band they really stress having ur left hand be as high are ur right hand when playing like even height u know. Ur left hand was definitely not as high as ur right hand

[@devonpita9193]

You're rendition could use more accuracy but if you are looking for marching music to try and play I would recommend you learn anything from SCV 2016, 2017, or 2018. Also have you ever played Karakurenai? I'm currently learning it in my undergrad and I would love to know your thoughts on the piece.

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Ah yes I have played some of that on steel pan (never finished learning it though). It's an awesome sound world for sure!

[@coltonmykael]

Would you ever consider making a discord server? I would like to meet more people that are passionate about the marimba lol

[@mattbronson8175]

I think it is incredibly important to note that a large portion of the difficulty of this segment, and style of playing is uniformity of interpretation, articulation, technique and movement. I think when you jump to the conclusion saying this arrangement "isn't too bad," at the beginning of this video it's a bit naive. Given the size of the ensemble, and challenges of the listening situations on a field, speed is the least of this ensembles members worries! Everyone in this group can likely play this segment alone with ease. It is the other factors which require additional mastery and rehearsal far beyond the three hours you note it took you. Even just moving from instrument to instrument (for example taiko to marimba) is choreographed carefully for uniformity of movement. I hope you will consider some of these things if you continue to make videos in this format, and push yourself to recreate these aspects in the right way.

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Haha I know, that wasn't what I meant at all. I know there's a lot more to it than just the notes especially since it's just a 90 second excerpt, but this was more just to show that it is doable from a classical standpoint. I've watched and praised enough marching content on this show to know that it's definitely a big task that requires months of effort to put together, so don't worry haha

[@gabewalter8055]

Please do ghost light bd 2019

[@sacrafyce7969]

I play trumpet

[@ARagu]

Dang, that cool you learned it that fast. My one token, maybe not useful, is more style. I'm in marching percussion playing marimba, and the whole time you seemed more tensed up and less heavy on the keys than most marchers would play. Again, more style than techinique

[@mrpiklez3703]

Do SCV 2018 no balls

[@3h0archer49]

You didn't say hey :((((((

[@AdamTanPercussion]

I did but the mic didnt pick it up hahaha

[@3h0archer49]

Adam Tan Oh really? Haha

[@samholleman7195]

just me or was that run kinda dirty? idk if it was on his side or the video he played with. I've been out of the game for a little while though. not too much room for me to judge

[@AdamTanPercussion]

I would say while the original videos run is a little dirty, I'm the dirtiest of the two for sure 🤣