Percussion notation

Abstract: A Survey of Multiple Percussion Notation with an Emphasis on Timhre Staff Notation and Setup by Rachel Carissa Julian-Jones Dr. Dean Gronemeier, Examination Committee Chair Professor of Percussion University of Nevada, Las Vegas This survey presents an historical overview of the foundations of multiple percussion followed by an examination of different notational techniques and setups. Emphasis is placed on the nomenclature known as timbre staff notation and setup. This method of notating for multiple percussion utilizes traditional keyboard notation by assigning each instrument to a note from the chromatic scale. Additionally, the physical layout of the instruments resembles that of a keyboard instrument with each instrument placed at the approximate position of a keyboard pitch. Although there is no relationship between the written pitch and the sounding timbre, there is a direct correlation between the notation and the physical location of instruments. This physical association aids in the efficiency of learning new multiple percussion works if one is familiar with keyboard notation. This document is meant to provide performers, educators and composers with a background of existing notational methods for multiple percussion and promote the positive elements of timbre staff notation and setup thereby hopefully generating further interest in the genre of multiple percussion.