Band Today, Part 3: Auxiliary Percussion (Tambourine, Wood Block, Triangle, Claves, Maracas, Suspended Cymbal & Sleigh Bells) Book

Ployhar's auxiliary percussion writing matches the developmental level of Part 3 with exercises that build genuine independence on multiple instruments without overwhelming students new to the section. The balance of scales, rhythmic studies, and contemporary rhythm patterns means your percussionists aren't isolated with just basic striking techniques—they're learning to read and respond alongside the full band.

Energetic and purposeful. The mix of traditional scales, rhythmic drills, and contemporary patterns creates a sense of forward momentum while building the foundational technique every serious auxiliary percussionist needs. Students experience both the satisfaction of mastery over single instruments and the challenge of shifting between different percussion colors.

Auxiliary percussionists in advanced-intermediate bands who are ready to move beyond basic striking and need structured development across multiple instruments. This book serves students ready to deepen their musicianship and handle the rhythmic complexity found in modern band compositions.

• Coordinate hand assignments early in rehearsal; clarify which hand plays which instrument when students are switching between mallet and hand-held percussion, especially when moving from tambourine to wood block in quick succession.
• Isolate the rhythmic studies separate from melodic sections to lock articulation and release timing, then layer them back into context where balance with winds matters most.
• Use the contemporary rhythm patterns as listening assignments before playing; have students identify and clap the rhythms outside of the full band sound so the notation becomes familiar.

Integrate Part 3 into your sectional rehearsal schedule during the second or third year of band participation, pairing it with repertoire that features contemporary rhythms to reinforce the studies students are tackling. The book's focus on modern compositional styles makes it ideal for a season when you're programming works by contemporary band composers.

• Reading rhythms specific to each auxiliary percussion instrument
• Executing contemporary rhythmic patterns used in modern band repertoire
• Transitioning between tambourine, wood block, triangle, claves, maracas, suspended cymbal, and sleigh bells with consistent tone control
• Mastering articulation and release coordination across unpitched percussion
• Building dynamic awareness and balance within the percussion section