Creating A Percussion Part

Here's my first installment in response to John Homan's recent email (Sept. 9 post):  

Creating A Percussion Part      

If you find yourself composing a part from scratch, here are some questions that will aid the process.

When I discern the style of the music, I begin to think about the instruments that are common to that style  (while not limiting my thinking to only those instruments). 

• Should I try to use only instruments that are common to that style?
• Is this a situation where I am free to think outside the box? Will I be allowed to try some sounds not usually associated with this particular style?

If there is also a drum set player: 

• Are the patterns coming from the drum set fairly standard patterns for that style or is the drummer trying something original? 
• What instruments on the drum set are being played?  
• What instruments,rhythms, and frequencies will complement the drum set part?
• Where is the drummer playing a fill?  Where is the musically logical place for the percussion part to drop out before the fill? Where do I reenter after the fill?
• Does the drum set ever drop out?  Would this be a good spot to add percussion or enter a bit later to give another element of interest?

If there is no drum set player (just lil’ ol’ me playing percussion):

• Should my patterns be more standard or does the situation call for originality?
• Do I need to play time throughout or are there sections where I can play “color” ...or drop out?
• Are there highs, lows, or mid frequencies that are not being covered by the other instruments of the rhythm section?  Should I try to cover that area?

I am also listening to how the other instruments of the ensemble and the overall arrangement and orchestration.   

• Where are the climaxes?  Are there breakdowns?
• What percussion instruments, rhythms, and frequencies will complement the texture of the ensemble as a whole?
• Are some fills at the ends of phrases being played by an instrument other that the drum set (bass, keyboard)?  Where are my exit and reentry points or do I play through the fill?

• Do I really need to play in every section of the song?
• Am I playing too much?
• Could this song possibly work without percussion?
• Does the music call for “groove percussion” or “coloristic percussion” or both?
• Is my part interesting and enhancing without being distracting?

Stay tuned for Part 2