Timpani Basics

Mr. Wright from johnwright1964.com demonstrates the proper playing technique for playing the timpani. Mr. Wright has taught Elementary, Middle School and High School band for 23 years. He has taught band at Northwood Temple Academy for the past 20 yrs. Please check out the following video for an excellent tutorial on tuning.
• good beats: episode 2 ...

[@oboealto]

As a composer, I like to know everything there is about each and every of the instruments I'm composing for, hopefully as much the musicians who play my music do. Now, I've seen a good few dozens of videos on the timpani yet your explanations and tips are super, super useful. Thank you so much, Mr. Wright!

[@johnwright1964]

Thank you sir.

[@MassHysteria666]

I've never played the timpani before, but I have to for my percussion ensemble, and this video really helped! however, a bit more on tuning the timpani would be helpful. thanks!

[@juiceismoose9959]

Tympani aren’t tables. *sets stick bag on tympani*

[@LiamHagan]

I have only recently started playing percussion for an upcoming production of The Producers and haven't had access to the timpani yet as we are getting them on loan. Thanks for this video - now I know what to expect and how to take care of these instruments.

[@RPM1776]

For all-state I'm going to audition for Timpani, this is very yseful thanks!

[@KTHKUHNKK]

Super great tips on caring for your equipment.
I am with you 100%
Keith Kuhn
KK Motion Pictures
also on CZcams

[@MargaretsLight]

This helped me understand how the timpani works. I never have seen one in person so I don't know how it works all those notes with so little drums. I get it now. I also understand the difference of the sticks.

[@syrup-]

Thank you so very much. I have difficulty following instructions, and then directly translating them into physical movement.
I felt so meagre watching everyone else getting everything on point, while I dawdled over it. Hopefully, I'm better tommorow.

[@johnwright1964]

Sitting does allow for a quick tuning of two drums. Some difficult passages are easier to play while standing. Many timpani players achieve the angle of playing that you speak of by leaning over.

[@PresidentNUT]

Thanks for the lecture.

[@LUNARELITE8320]

At our school we have 2 timpani's that are over 75 years old! So take care of the ones you guys have!

[@eliot8065]

Cooooollll

[@jazzernauts]

Cannot stress enough: Petroleum products of ANY kind had been found to 'eat' at plastic heads. CLEAN the rim, then put NEW Tympani head on. Once the head has been put on and used for a couple of hours, it will NOT seat correctly again if removed. Of course for a cash-strapped band program, at least MARk THE HEADS so you can line them up to a "guide" lug and also match the crease that will have formed over the rim (from first tensioning) as best you can - it will NOT be perfect, so dont sweat it!

[@coleconnelly2037]

hello I am a drummer and you can find the replacement head for the timpani mallet on musiciansfriend.com if a great site with reasonable pricing. Go to the "Drums & Percussion" section and then click on "Drum Sticks", on the left hand side narrow your search to just Vic Firth or the brand you're searching for, the replacement kit should be at the near end of page two if you search with 60 results per page,

[@AlexDuartedrummer]

Thank u so much!

[@duckydoes1733]

Thank you kind sir

[@KTHKUHNKK]

Beautiful
I just subscribed and hit the bell.
I was wondering why they don't have a ring around the skin where you're supposed to hit it at ?
Thanks. Keith

[@KTHKUHNKK]

Perhaps on the end of the mallet you could get some fake fur from a fabric store.
It seems like they would be easy to make.
What do you think ?
Keith

[@CarlThaOccultist]

I have to play tympani for Moscow, 1941. I don't even know what to do. Please help

[@0GM1LKM4N]

Sir Loin heh lol I played Moscow 1941 just.a year ago

[@TheWoodenZozimos]

I played that too, I thought the toms were more fun

[@benjroof]

A nice guy.Thanks for the video.

[@johnwright1964]

Thanks for watching!

[@diyqueen458]

I’m in 7th grade and I’ve been playing percussionist for 2 years but I got music for timpani and there is groats how do u do that?? There are 4 timpani’s and we do sit in a stool

[@zubinhathi8853]

groats?

[@Mimexico2002]

Thanks for the great tips!!

[@lescapoter]

thanks

[@CoolDaysEnd]

"don't even look at the mallets"

[@miguelchim6585]

is a buring

[@brngsh5549]

Don't stand playing timpani. Not just an amateuristic sight, the angle isn't optimal. You're too high up, making the sound weird.

[@brosephproseph1741]

Brngsh depends on how tall you are

[@blikitwig]

What if I'm just tiny and sitting makes me to low