Percussion Perspective

Percussion Perspective

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Two best friends that are also percussion directors aiming to dive deeper into topics relating to a school band/percussion program. Our hope is to provide a resource for music educators to further understand the ins and outs of percussion.

Remi Thornton, Kevin Mozarko


    • May 2, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 39m AVG DURATION
    • 33 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Percussion Perspective

    #32 Things We Say on a Daily Basis

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 48:09


    In episode 32, Remi and Kevin talk about common mistakes made by beginners. Of course we all know the obvious ones, wrong rhythms, bad timing, liking Ska..... But we often overlook small details that can snowball into massive issues as your students get older.Hope you glean some wisdom from out mistakes and find something you can tell YOUR students daily to help them get better!Email us at percussionperspectivepod@gmail.comInstagram: @percussion.perspectiveYouTube: youtube.com/@PercussionPerspectivePodFacebook: Percussion PerspectiveWebsite: rss.com/podcasts/percussionperspective/

    #31 Rhythm Generator, Kevin Reflects

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 33:45


    In episode 31, Kevin talks about a new app, Rhythm Generator, that he had the privilege of getting to work on with the developer! It's a great new app for percussionists, educators, musicians, and more who want to get better at reading rhythms. Kevin also reflects on his past year of teaching and talks about a few topics like methods books, rudiments, beginning mallet curriculum, and knowing the strengths/weaknesses of your students. Enjoy the episode! For a FREE MONTH of Rhythm Generator Pro, go to rhythmgenerator.com/ppEmail us at percussionperspectivepod@gmail.comInstagram: @percussion.perspectiveYouTube: youtube.com/@PercussionPerspectivePodFacebook: Percussion PerspectiveWebsite:rss.com/podcasts/percussionperspective/

    #30 Let's Talk Triangle!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 45:14


    In episode 30, Remi and Kevin talk all about triangle. What might seem like a boring and basic instrument is actually very nuanced. You need to know what you're doing the next time you have a triangle part, or need to help a student with their part. Hope you enjoy the chat!Black Swamp article mentioned in this article:https://www.blackswamp.com/post/triangle-buying-guide-a-comprehensive-guide-to-finding-your-perfect-soundEmail us at percussionperspectivepod@gmail.comInstagram: @percussion.perspectiveYouTube: youtube.com/@PercussionPerspectivePodFacebook: Percussion PerspectiveWebsite: rss.com/podcasts/percussionperspective/

    #29 One Year Later

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 43:42


    In episode 29, Remi and Kevin reflect on the last year of doing this podcast together. We chat about the struggles of starting a podcast, the success we've had, and a few things we have learned along the way. This isn't our typical "chat about a percussion topic" episode, but we hope you can still enjoy our conversation about celebrating a full year of podcasting! Thank you so much for listening to us ramble on for a full year! Here's to many more! Palen Music Website:https://www.palenmusic.com/Email us at percussionperspectivepod@gmail.comInstagram: @percussion.perspectiveYouTube: youtube.com/@PercussionPerspectivePodFacebook: Percussion PerspectiveWebsite: rss.com/podcasts/percussionperspective/

    #28 Let's Talk Suspended Cymbal

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2025 36:02


    In episode 28, Remi and Kevin talk about......suspended cymbal! This "simple" instrument has a lot of ins and outs that make it really interesting. You shouldn't just relegate your not as talented players to these parts. Hope you enjoy the conversation!Email us at percussionperspectivepod@gmail.comInstagram: @percussion.perspectiveYouTube: youtube.com/@PercussionPerspectivePodFacebook: Percussion PerspectiveWebsite: rss.com/podcasts/percussionperspective/

    #27 Interview with Adam Bruce

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2025 79:01


    In episode 27, Remi and Kevin interview Oklahoma native Adam Bruce. Adam has an extensive knowledge of percussion and teaching. We chat about incorporating accessories into your beginning percussion curriculum, preparing your 8th graders for the leap into high school, Adam's approach to front ensemble arranging, and much more! We hope you enjoy this episode and can gain some educational info along the way.Email us at percussionperspectivepod@gmail.comInstagram: @percussion.perspectiveFacebook: Percussion PerspectiveWebsite: rss.com/podcasts/percussionperspective/

    #26 Let's Talk Percussion Ensembles

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2025 64:58


    In episode 26, Remi and Kevin talk about programming percussion ensembles for your MS and HS studnents. From how to choose the right ensemble, to listing some of our favorite works, they give you some guidance and suggestions for your programs.This is definitely not an exhaustive list, and there are many ensembles that are great to play. We just simply cannot name all of them in one episode.Email us at percussionperspectivepod@gmail.comInstagram: @percussion.perspectiveFacebook: Percussion PerspectiveWebsite: rss.com/podcasts/percussionperspective/

    #25 Preparing Your Percussionists For State Contest

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2025 34:02


    In episode 25, Remi and Kevin discuss the ins and outs of getting your percussionist section organized and ready for state band contest. These tips can apply to all grade levels and can help you in getting your percussionists fully prepared. We chat about part assignments, sight-reading, organizing the set ups, and more. Enjoy! *This episode was recorded in March of 2024. We decided to wait to publish it until the timing was better so that these tips could actually be implemented right after listening.*Do you have a topic recommendation for us? Please let us know by emailing us! Whether it is a quick question, or a topic that could take an entire episode, we want to hear from you!Email us at percussionperspectivepod@gmail.comInstagram: @percussion.perspectiveFacebook: Percussion PerspectiveWebsite:rss.com/podcasts/percussionperspective/

    #24 Kevin Interviews Remi

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2025 47:56


    In episode 24, Kevin interviews Remi this time! Remi talks about his favorite rudiments, his percussion related career goals, and some of his influential teachers he has had. Kevin adds in his 5 fun/random questions at the end. Enjoy the interview! SHOW NOTES Email us at percussionperspectivepod@gmail.comInstagram: @percussion.perspectiveFacebook: Percussion PerspectiveWebsite:rss.com/podcasts/percussionperspective/

    #23 Remi Interviews Kevin

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2025 43:13


    In episode 23, Remi interviews Kevin about his history of being a percussionist/drummer to get to know a little bit more about him. Some topics include earliest memory of playing, considering a different career path, and most/least favorite percussion concepts to teach. Remi adds in his own 5 fun/random questions at the end! We hope you enjoy the conversation! Can you guess what the next episode will be?!?SHOW NOTESEmail us at percussionperspectivepod@gmail.comInstagram: @percussion.perspectiveFacebook: Percussion PerspectiveWebsite:rss.com/podcasts/percussionperspective/

    #22 Choosing High School Solos - Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 27, 2024 63:35


    In episode 22, Remi and Kevin continue their discussion from the last episode on choosing high school percussion solos. They did deeper into some 4-mallet literature and also chat about a few timpani options as well that would be great choices for your students. Enjoy the conversation!Link to Adam Bruce's website mentioned in this episode:https://www.abrucemusic.com/SHOW NOTES Email us at percussionperspectivepod@gmail.comInstagram: @percussion.perspectiveFacebook: Percussion PerspectiveWebsite: rss.com/podcasts/percussionperspective/

    #21 Choosing High School Solos - Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2024 46:37


    In episode 21, Remi & Kevin talk about what goes into choosing high school solos. Solos are an important part of percussionists' development, and there are several recommendations in this conversation. Part 2 coming soon.SHOW NOTES Email us at percussionperspectivepod@gmail.comInstagram: @percussion.perspectiveFacebook: Percussion PerspectiveWebsite: rss.com/podcasts/percussionperspective/

    #20 Choosing Middle School Solos

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2024 49:34


    In episode 20, Remi and Kevin discuss middle school percussion solos. We chat about choosing solos, which instruments we have kids play solos on in certain grade levels, and give some good recommendations on solos and solo books to have your students play from. Enjoy the conversation! Happy Thanksgiving to all!SHOW NOTESEmail us at percussionperspectivepod@gmail.comInstagram: @percussion.perspectiveFacebook: Percussion PerspectiveWebsite:rss.com/podcasts/percussionperspective/

    #19 Interview with Jack Milzarek

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2024 35:36


    In episode 19, Kevin interviews Jack Milzarek. Jack is a performer, percussion educator, and was a student of Kevin's for a short period of time. Jack is currently the percussion Director at Mount Vernon high school in Missouri, and is the adjunct percussion professor at Missouri Southern State University. He is also the recent winner of the Four State Symphonic Winds Concerto Competition. We hope you enjoy the conversation!Sharpened Stick (Blue Man Group) video mentioned in the episode:https://youtu.be/lDJznYZs34g?si=hkAofiIe8g0RVvVkJack's Recital Video:https://youtu.be/yDSrV3iFt2E?si=eGto8uCKc3NxHu6vSHOW NOTESEmail us at percussionperspectivepod@gmail.comInstagram: @percussion.perspectiveFacebook: Percussion PerspectiveWebsite: rss.com/podcasts/percussionperspective/

    #18 Marching Band is Over, Now What???

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2024 38:29


    In episode 18, Remi and Kevin talk about how to move on after marching band season has wrapped up. Whether it brings you joy or sorrow, how you transition is important for your students' experience and success. Enjoy the conversation!SHOW NOTES Email us at percussionperspectivepod@gmail.comInstagram: @percussion.perspectiveFacebook: Percussion PerspectiveWebsite: rss.com/podcasts/percussionperspective/

    #17 Preparing Your Students for Honor Band Auditions

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2024 38:01


    In episode 17, Remi & Kevin get back into a real discussion! We talk about our tips and experiences getting students ready for honor band/all-district. Enjoy a spooky ghost story at the end. SHOW NOTES Email us at percussionperspectivepod@gmail.comInstagram: @percussion.perspectiveFacebook: Percussion PerspectiveWebsite: rss.com/podcasts/percussionperspective/

    #16 Bandtober/Contest Update

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2024 22:00


    In episdode 16, Remi and Kevin talk about the start of "Bandtober" and debrief on first contests. We're crazy busy so we hope you enjoy the laid back conversation!SHOW NOTES Email us at percussionperspectivepod@gmail.comInstagram: @percussion.perspectiveFacebook: Percussion PerspectiveWebsite: rss.com/podcasts/percussionperspective/

    #15 Let's Talk Front Ensemble!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2024 52:06


    In episode 15, Remi and Kevin talk about their set up, gear, and tips for a successful front ensemble. DISCLAIMER: We are not audio engineers, we are not marching arts audio professionals. We are two educators that do our best to understand this intricate field, and hopefully you enjoy the conversation!SHOW NOTES Email us at percussionperspectivepod@gmail.comInstagram: @percussion.perspectiveFacebook: Percussion PerspectiveWebsite: rss.com/podcasts/percussionperspective/

    #14 Remi & Kevin Catch Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2024 27:05


    In episode 14, Remi and Kevin catch up in the middle of a busy start to the season. We give updates on our programs, and talk about how things are going so far in the new school year. Enjoy the relaxed conversation!

    #13 Tips for Rehearsing Marching Percussion

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2024 33:02


    In episode 13, Remi and Kevin talk about ways to effectively rehearse your marching percussion ensemble. We talk listening, phasing, when/when not to watch the drum major, and much more!SHOW NOTES Email us at percussionperspectivepod@gmail.comInstagram: @percussion.perspectiveFacebook: Percussion PerspectiveWebsite: rss.com/podcasts/percussionperspective/Timing Demonstration Video by Bill Bachman:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtciWHkEDbc

    #12 Tips for a Cleaner Drumline

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2024 45:30


    In episode 12, Remi and Kevin give advice to get your drumline sounding clean and crispy. From technique to tuning, there are so many factors that go into having a great sounded battery section. Listen or else!

    #11 Band Camp Week 1 Recap!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2024 20:49


    Remi and Kevin talk about what worked (and what didn't) during the first full week of summer band. Also our take on ASMR and the Olympics.

    #10 Ten Tips for Starting Band Camp

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2024 33:39


    In episode 10, Remi and Kevin give ten tips for starting summer band the right way. A lot of these apply to band as a whole, not just percussion. Email us with more tips or questions!SHOW NOTES Email us at percussionperspectivepod@gmail.comInstagram: @percussion.perspectiveFacebook: Percussion PerspectiveWebsite: rss.com/podcasts/percussionperspective/

    #9 Percussion Planning: What to Make It Through in 9th - 12th Grade

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2024 36:17


    In this final episode of a 4 part arc, Remi and Kevin discuss their approach to high school percussion and how to transition from the middle school classroom. The overall topic is wrapped up with some pointers on how to keep high school percussionists engaged, and dealing with the post-marching band blues. We even talk about some future plans for the podcast!SHOW NOTES Email us at percussionperspectivepod@gmail.comInstagram: @percussion.perspectiveFacebook: Percussion PerspectiveWebsite: rss.com/podcasts/percussionperspective/

    Percussion Planning: What to Make It Through in 8th Grade

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2024 36:51


    In third episode of the 4 part series, Remi and Kevin talk about their goals for an 8th grade percussion class. Prepping for marching band is a main topic here, along with some scheduling advice, and benchmarks for your students. SHOW NOTESEmail us at percussionperspectivepod@gmail.comInstagram: @percussion.perspectiveFacebook: Percussion PerspectiveWebsite: rss.com/podcasts/percussionperspective/

    Percussion Planning: What to Make it Through in 7th Grade

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2024 40:19


    In this second episode of a 4 part series, Remi and Kevin talk about their goals for a 7th grade (2nd year) percussion class. We talk rudiments, scales, aux instruments, and timpani for this very important year in your percussionist's development. SHOW NOTES (after episode synopsis)Email us at percussionperspectivepod@gmail.comInstagram: @percussion.perspectiveFacebook: Percussion PerspectiveWebsite: rss.com/podcasts/percussionperspective/

    Percussion Planning: What to Make it Through in 6th Grade

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2024 38:35


    In this special first episode of a 4 part arc, we introduce our "Percussion Planning" series. Remi and Kevin talk about what topics and skills you need to get through in a 6th grade percussion class. We reflect on some of the ways our classes have succeeded and failed, and give some helpful tips about feeling like your class is behind where they should be. Email us at percussionperspectivepod@gmail.comInstagram: @percussion.perspectiveFacebook: Percussion PerspectiveWebsite: rss.com/podcasts/percussionperspective/

    How to Make the Right Mallet Choice

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2024 39:45


    In Episode 5, Remi and Kevin talk about all the factors that go into choosing the right mallet for the sound you want. This is "part 2" to episode 4, so go check that our first.

    How To Make the Right Stick Choice

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2024 37:15


    In Episode 4, Remi and Kevin talk about all the factors that go into choosing a drumstick. While it is largely up to personal preference, there are some general guidelines to consider. Overall, there is no wrong choice if you're getting the sound you want!Show Notes: Drumstick Chart from MusiciansFriend: https://www.musiciansfriend.com/thehub/how-to-choose-the-right-drum-sticks?source=3WWRWXGG&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwhtWvBhD9ARIsAOP0Gohc7AnK25RWu7rgLV_5_ZE1VnUY5QuTVDu-CLeIxgTvdX5oRNip8EUaAreuEALw_wcBEmail us at percussionperspectivepod@gmail.comInstagram: @percussion.perspectiveFacebook: Percussion PerspectiveWebsite: rss.com/podcasts/percussionperspective/

    Let's Talk About Stroke Types

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2024 32:13


    In Episode 3, Remi and Kevin breakdown the all-important stroke types. We talk about each one and what purpose they serve - and how to introduce them to your students. These strokes are the foundation of all percussion playing, so we hope you enjoy the discussion and glean some wisdom!Email us at percussionperspectivepod@gmail.comInstagram: @percussion.perspectiveFacebook: Percussion PerspectiveWebsite: rss.com/podcasts/percussionperspective/

    Starting a Beginning Percussion Class

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2024 35:51


    In Episode 2, Remi and Kevin talk about our best tips for starting beginning percussionists. We touch on what to do the first few days, classroom management strategies, percussion-specific warm-ups, and much more.Please email us with questions/topics at percussionperspectivepod@gmail.comInstagram: @percussion.perspectiveFacebook: Percussion PerspectiveWebsite: rss.com/podcasts/percussionperspective/

    How To Choose A Beginning Percussionist

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2024 32:44


    In Episode 1, Remi and Kevin discuss strategies for testing and selecting percussion students. We go over the essential skills that a student must have to become a successful percussionist, and talk about what areas to test including: timing, coordination, aural skills, and more.Email us at percussionperspectivepod@gmail.comInstagram: @percussion.perspectiveFacebook: Percussion PerspectiveWebsite: rss.com/podcasts/percussionperspective/

    Introduction

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2024 1:42


    Welcome to Percussion Perspective! Hosts Remi and Kevin are percussion directors based in Oklahoma, and have been best friends for a decade. We hope that you join us on this journey to explore percussion related topics! From the seasoned percussion director, to the just out-of-college Music Ed. major, we think you will enjoy our conversations and hopefully pick up some knowledge along the way.

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