Accent on Achievement, Book 1 (Percussion/Drums): Percussion (Snare Drum, Bass Drum, & Accessories) Book & Online Audio/Software & German Insert

Accent on Achievement Book 1 treats percussion students as full ensemble members from day one, not afterthoughts. The method balances fundamental technique with early opportunities to play meaningful rhythmic figures alongside the band, which keeps young percussionists engaged and invested in their musical growth.

Purposeful and encouraging. The exercises progress logically without overwhelming beginners, and the inclusion of actual band arrangements alongside foundational studies gives students real musical stakes from the start.

Beginning percussion students in middle school or high school band programs, or private students starting their first year on snare drum and bass drum. This book works equally well for students learning in a group setting or independently.

• Establish clear hand position and grip before moving through the exercises; unformed technique at this stage becomes harder to correct later.
• Use the online audio to reinforce steady tempo and ensemble pulse; percussion students need consistent reference points as they develop internal rhythm.
• Separate snare drum and bass drum practice initially so students can master each instrument's unique technique before combining them in band contexts.

Integrate this as your primary percussion method for the first year of band instruction, pairing exercises with full-band rehearsals so percussion students hear their growing skills in context. The online audio supports independent practice and gives students a reliable way to check tempo and rhythmic accuracy outside rehearsal.

• Proper grip and hand position on snare drum and bass drum
• Single and double strokes on snare drum
• Basic rhythm reading (quarter notes, eighth notes, rests, simple time signatures)
• Coordinating snare drum and bass drum simultaneously
• Playing rhythmic patterns that align with band instrumentation
• Steady tempo and pulse maintenance with recorded accompaniment