One of the great things about the day was that it covered every common area of percussion (including the often excluded drum kit), and the next talk was a Marimba Master-class with Lorenzo Ferrandiz. Giving some of the students a chance to perform in front of him in order for him to give his various opinions on all areas of their playing gave an insight into the mind of such a performer. The standard of playing by the Birmingham students was superb and most certainly impressed the audience and Lorenzo himself.

            Following this was a talk by Numan Elymer on the Darbuka, which added yet another instrument to the expansive list. Completely different from everything else seen that day, it was both beneficial and interesting to see the area of his expertise. At the same time as this, ran a question and answer session with James Strebing, head of percussion at the conservatoire which was helpful for current and prospective students as well as professionals or those with an interest. His knowledge and expertise from years of playing with the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra most certainly shed some light on some more difficult matters.

            The day was not all about listening to people talking however, and the next event was certainly an eye-opener. Inspiring professionals and beginners alike, Lorenzo Ferrandiz and Gustavo Gimeno combined for their percussion duo ‘Elements’, featuring music for all sorts of combinations of instruments: marimba and vibraphone, two marimbas and individual untuned setups. The combination of the colour they explored within each instruments and the technical aspects of the performance made it a very enjoyable learning exercise for everyone present.

            Whether they are counted a separate (as in orchestras) or joined in with the percussion section, one of the most popular instruments, both aesthetically and in amounts of repertoire involving them, are the timpani. Alonzo and his team had managed to secure Principal Timpanist of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (coincidentally an ex- Birmingham student) in the form of Matthew Perry. His talk differed from the rest as he used exerts from various pieces, gave his advice and used recordings and his own playing to demonstrate. He highlighted little things that make a difference when playing the timpani (stick selection, aesthetics, virtuosity) and anyone who was present will think all aspects and decisions through very carefully before even playing a note.

            Drum kit is often over-looked when the term percussion is used and some non- percussionists are even under the impression that it is in a category of its own; however, Ralph Salmins proved that it is most definitely an instrument to be respected as he gave a fantastic talk on his work as one of the most in demand session musicians in Europe, the way he plays and what he believes is important when playing the drum kit. The level of audience participation he employed was brilliant as were the tracks he played along to- including a Herbie Hancock classic and the timeless ‘Cocktails for two’. His emphasis on the simplicity of his drumming coupled with the variety he offers as a drummer gave real hope to those planning on a career in such a hard to obtain profession.

            Throughout the day, many different artists talked on many different aspects of percussion, however the same advice was apparent whichever talk(s) you attended in the duration the day: the importance of musicality- not just being technically right but making it a performance in every way (including visually)- as performers are, at the end of the day, there to entertain people; play the simple things well, not the difficult things poorly- practice the simple things until they become second nature which then allows you to develop the more difficult aspects and build up your skills bank on the way; and finally never stop learning- listening to other people can teach you much more than studying book after book of technical exercises. Simple advice from highly regarded professionals, easily achievable by everyone.  

            The day culminated in the highly anticipated concert at which all the artists played with backing from the Birmingham students, as well as groups of students showing the people present the extent of their skills. The concert included John Beck’s Concert for Timpani and Percussion and Concerto for Drum Kit and Percussion played by Matthew Perry and Ralph Salmins respectively. Beck’s works were aesthetically fascinating and technically demanding, giving the artists the opportunity to put into practice everything they had talked about in their seminars. Not to be overlooked, the students from the conservatoire gave a stunning account of themselves in various ensemble pieces, showing just how versatile the Birmingham percussion department is.

            Birmingham percussion day has gone from strength to strength, incorporating major artists into its line-up and making the day full of information for all ages and abilities. Alonso and his team deserve big congratulations on making such a successful day and giving those who attended the desire to return again next year.