Band Today, Part 2: Bells (Mallet Percussion) Book

Ployhar designed this intermediate method with the reality of mixed-ability percussion sections in mind: mallet players develop at different paces, and this book gives bells students focused, sequential material that doesn't leave them waiting between excerpts. The exercises move logically from fundamental mallet control through melodic playing, ensuring percussionists build the independence and musicianship that earns them real parts in the band's repertoire.

Clean, purposeful exercises that demand precision without overwhelming complexity. The material builds a sense of accomplishment as players master each section, moving from mechanical drills to recognizable melodies that feel rewarding to perform.

Intermediate bell players in concert band who have completed a basic introduction to mallet percussion and are ready to deepen their technical control and musical independence. This book serves students who need structured, progressive material to stay engaged and to develop the skills required to contribute substantively to band arrangements.

• Start each warm-up exercise with a slow tempo to establish clear mallet grip and consistent stroke height before increasing speed.
• Balance note articulation by letting the mallets naturally rebound off the bars rather than damping or overcontrolling the strike.
• Work through the melodic passages with attention to phrasing as though you were singing the line, not simply hitting each note.
• Practice sight-reading drills weekly using sections you haven't yet mastered to build fluency before full band rehearsals.

Assign this as the primary bell method through your band's second year, pairing selections with concert band repertoire to reinforce rhythm reading and melodic concepts the ensemble is learning together. The incremental approach means students can work through it individually or in small group lessons without requiring constant director supervision, freeing rehearsal time for full-band work.

• Mallet control and consistent stroke technique
• Reading melodic lines in treble clef with mixed rhythmic patterns
• Sight-reading fluency and rhythm accuracy
• Maintaining musical phrasing while playing percussion
• Building independence so bell players function as contributing ensemble members rather than rhythm-section supporters