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

Ployhar built this book as a direct technical support system for intermediate players, meaning every exercise targets the exact skills your percussionists need at this level. The writing feels purposeful rather than generic—you're getting 24 pages of focused work that reinforce fundamental malletwork without padding. Directors trust the Contemporary Band Course because it works, and this companion sits perfectly in that proven sequence.

Structured and direct. Each exercise builds logically, with clear progression rather than scattered challenges. The material respects a young percussionist's intelligence while refusing to waste their time with busywork.

Intermediate band bell players who have completed foundational technique work and are ready for more systematic development. This book serves percussionists using the Contemporary Band Course as their core method, though it works well for any intermediate program needing targeted mallet percussion exercises. Directors will find it especially useful when multiple students rotate through bell parts.

• Establish consistent mallet grip and wrist height before moving through exercises; check that players maintain relaxed shoulders and even striking angles across the bell range.
• Build speed gradually by setting a comfortable starting tempo and only increasing after accuracy is consistent; rushing through technical exercises defeats their purpose.
• Listen closely for tone quality and consistency across all four mallets when students play two-mallet passages; bell tone suffers quickly when technique breaks down.
• Incorporate short daily technical work from this book into warm-ups rather than treating it as separate homework; five focused minutes daily yields better results than sporadic longer sessions.

Use this as your primary technical reference throughout the second year of band study, assigning relevant pages alongside the corresponding method book lessons. Rotate excerpts into rehearsal warm-ups during the concert season to maintain technique while other sections build ensemble balance. Keep a copy handy when auditions or solo recitals approach; it's an efficient refresher for bell players preparing for performance.

• Even striking on each bell with consistent tone production
• Two-mallet and four-mallet independence and control
• Rhythmic accuracy across varied meter and tempo
• Smooth transitions between registers on the instrument
• Reading intermediate notation and rhythmic patterns