Afro Bop Alliance/Joe McCarthy

Win Latin Grammy

Best Latin Jazz album of the Year!!

Decisions by Anders Åstrand is a piece for percussion trio.  It was commissioned by Kieko Kotoku for a tour in Japan.  It was premiered in Tokyo in June of 2004.

Kvart I Fyra by Anders Åstrand is a percussion ensemble piece for 18 or more players.  It was commissioned by James Campbell for the University of Kentucky Percussion Ensemble and it was premiered at 2004 Percussive Arts Society International Convention in Nashville, TN.  The set up is for four choirs of instruments:  steel pans, metal keyboards, wooden keyboards, and orchestra percussion.

The Dance of Wind by Robert McClure is for percussion ensemble.  The piece is composed of seven sections.  Each section portrays a different mood and atmosphere.  These sections represent the change that the wind or a simple breeze will take in the course of minutes and how this change affects everything in its path.  The Dance of Wind was premiered by the BGSU Percussion Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Roger Schupp on April, 18 2006 in Kobacker Hall.

Preludes by Robert McClure for solo marimba is dedicated to a member of the Bowling Green State University Percussion Studio that Mr. McClure knew well while he was also a member.  The prelude is characteristic of the percussionist to whom it is dedicated.  Each prelude is highly independent of the others.  As a result, they can be performed separately, in any combination, or as a whole. 

Prelude I is a very rhythmic piece based on several ostinati patterns.  It is filled syncopated rhythms and surprise pauses.

Prelude II begins with an altered chorale form.  Instead of rolling, the "chorale" is made up of 16^th notes played very fast and quietly.  The notes falling on the beat should not be accented or stand out.  Overall, this should sound like a wash of sound.  It requires that the performer be very comfortable with the two different 16^th note patterns used. 

Prelude III is a fast, ever changing race through dissonance.  The piece is loosely based on octatonic scales.  Two main motives provide the structure for this movement.  This prelude is rhythmic and syncopated in nature. 

Prelude IV is a chorale for marimba. 

Prelude V is loosely based on the theme and variations form.  The melodic content that reappears is presented in the left hand of the performer as a bass line.  This movement relies heavily on the right and left hand being completely independent from the other. 

…folded… by Brian Nozny for solo marimba and percussion ensemble can be looked at as a piece of loose leaf paper folded upon itself at random.  Areas of the material – corners – lines – edges - are now layered on top of one another in what seems like chaos and disarray.  And yet there is still an order to the chaos.  All of the lines are straight, the material is still clean and unmarked, and if unfolded, the piece of paper is still complete, though now marred by its shaping.  It was commissioned by James Campbell for the University of Kentucky Percussion Ensemble's 2007 PASIC Showcase Concert in Columbus, OH.

ExitIX Novum by Peter Saleh is a percussion quintet created from a few distinct sources with its genesis being in one of the counter lines composed for an arrangement for percussion ensemble of Dajeong Choi's "Lift Up My Hands to You", Another source is the percussion music of Bob Becker, in particular, his invention of the 'prepared tenor drum', as an attempt to approximate the aesthetic of tabla for the snare drummer.  A primary source of pitch material is the three chameleon-like octatonic scales.  The tertian and other chordal relationships of the scale, specifically using traditional voice leading to slide between major and minor triads are explored.  Also, the appreciation for and fascination with the rhythmic processes of South Indian music provided a rhythmic 'hook' that helped the composer find real creative purpose with the piece.  ExitIX Novum received the second place award in the 2007 PAS 'Medium Percussion Ensemble' competition contest.

On our Myspace page there is a link to the Innovative Percussion video vault.  Go on and check out all of the new 2008 DCI Finals clips.

Enjoy!

We congratulate all of our groups on an outstanding drum corps season, and thank all of our Innoavtive Percussion groups for using our products.  We now have pictures up from finals week and video from the San Antonio show, videos from finals week are coming soon.  Log onto www.innovativepercussion.com and check it out.  It's right on the front page under Featured Media 2008 DCI Championships.

Coming soon!  Keep a look out for more pics and videos on myspace!!!

NEW PRODUCTS 2008

NEBOJSA ZIVKOVIC SERIES MARIMBA MALLETS

Perfection takes time….after more than a year of intensive design, research and testing we introduce a new series of marimba mallets that perfectly reflects the artist whose signature is placed on every mallet. The Nebojsa Zivkovic Signature Series Marimba Mallets from Innovative Percussion feature seven rubber core mallets in varying hardness, with either exclusive oversize Cedar, or classic Rattan handles. Each captures the essence and style of one of the world's most renowned marimba soloists.

Model Description

NJZ1(R) Earthy Black (Soft Marimba)

NJZ2(R) Ocean Deep Blue (Medium Soft Marimba)

NJZ3(R) Lilac Tender General (General Soft Marimba)

NJZ4(R) Blue Strong General (General Marimba)

NJZ5(R) Sky Blue Clear Cut General (General Hard Marimba)

NJZ6(R) Silver Sharp (Hard Marimba)

NJZ7(R) Canary Strong Cut (Very Hard Marimba)

Features:

• Rubber cores in varying hardness, wrapped in a variety of materials

• Available with either hand-selected, strength tested oversize cedar or superior quality rattan handles

• Durable synthetic-blend yarn wrap

MARK FORD SERIES MARIMBA MALLETS

These four new models are an expansion of the popular mallet series designed to the specifications of marimba soloist and percussion educator Mark Ford. This series began with the previous addition of the IP800 to his original series, now renumbered as IP811. This series of four mallets features larger rubber cores for a full tone and stronger

fundamental, while still using an extra-soft yarn to produce legato tone at all dynamic levels. These new models also feature natural birch handles, allowing the player additional control in demanding performance situations.

Model Description

IP811 Strong Legato Marimba / Soft

IP812 Strong Legato Marimba / Medium Soft

IP813 Strong Legato Marimba / Medium Hard

IP814 Strong Legato Marimba / Hard

Features:

• Rubber cores to create a full, rich tone and warm fundamental

• Unfinished natural birch handles

• Extra-soft yarn wrap for minimal contact sound

SHE-E WU SERIES MARIMBA MALLETS

A unique approach and exceptional musicality sets a performer apart from all others. With that in mind we are proud to introduce a new series of marimba mallets that perfectly reflects the artist they were designed to represent.  The She-e Wu Signature Series Marimba Mallets from Innovative Percussion feature six mallets of varying hardness, with natural birch handles and a custom blended yarn wrap. Each captures the unique style, sensitivity, and essence of the artist that is She-e Wu.

Model Description

WU1 Soft Marimba

WU-2 Medium Soft Marimba

WU3 Medium Marimba

WU4 Medium Hard Marimba

WU5 Hard Marimba

WU6 Very Hard Marimba

Features:

• A combination of hard acrylic-style and hard rubber cores to create a full, bright tone and rich fundamental

• Hand-selected unfinished natural birch handles

• Wool-blend yarn wrap

• Elongated shaped mallet heads

ANDERS ÅSTRAND SERIES

Vibraphonist and mallet specialist Anders Åstrand has added three new models to his popular Rattan Series Artist keyboard ensemble. New are the AA20 medium soft model, AA30 hard model, and the AA35 wrapped xylophone mallet. All the models feature mushroom shaped cores, the durable multi-ply cord, and extra durable rattan handles.

LUDWIG ALBERT SERIES

This line of professional keyboard mallets has been specifically designed for Belgium marimba artist Ludwig Albert III.  The eight models feature shafts constructed of superior quality rattan and specially weighted rubber cores of varying sizes and degrees of hardness.  Wool-blend yarn is used to fully maximize the dynamic potential of the line, while the unique shape allows for precise tonal clarity.  The length provides an ultimate balance, which will meet the needs of today's professional player.

IP3101                       EXTRA SOFT MARIMBA

IP3102                       MED EXTRA SOFT MARIMBA

IP3103                       SOFT MARIMBA

IP3104                       MEDIUM SOFT MARIMBA

IP3105                       MEDIUM MARIMBA

IP3106                       MEDIUM HARD MARIMBA

IP3107                       HARD MARIMBA

IP3108                       EXTRA HARD MARIMBA

Features:

• Rubber cores of varying size, shape, and hardness
• Superior quality rattan
• Wool-blend yarn wrap

 GENERAL TIMPANI SERIES

The General Timpani Series is the latest addition to our selection of timpani mallets.  After many requests from percussion educators and performers, the GT series was designed as another quality choice from Innovative Percussion.  These models feature tapered maple handles for ultimate balance and German felt parachute-style covered heads for professional grade sound quality.

GT-1                          SOFT

GT-2                          MEDIUM SOFT, GENERAL

GT-3                          MEDIUM, GENERAL

GT-4                          HARD, STACCATO

GT-5                          ULTRA STACCATO   

Features:

• Tapered Maple Handles
• Wood Cores
• High Quality German Felt Covers
• Woven Felt Liners (Models 1-4)

CHRISTOPHER LAMB CONCERT SNARE MODEL CL-3L

The CL-3L is the newest addition to the Christopher Lamb Series.  It features a very small round bead for clarity in articulated and detailed passages.  It also has a very quick taper from the shoulder of the stick to the tip and is shorter than most concert snare drumsticks, putting the weight of the stick more in the player's hands.  The laminated birch wood and its weight assist the overall performance of the stick by keeping the detail of the passage clear yet full enough for the concert hall.

Features:

·         Laminated Birch

·         Small Round Bead

·         Very Short Taper

·         Length: 16 1/8"<O:P>

·         Thickness: .650"

PAUL RENNICK FIELD SERIES SNARE MODEL FS-PR2

Paul Rennick, Director and Arranger of the University of North Texas Drum Line, and percussion caption head and arranger of the DCI High Percussion award winning Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps, has now added a second design of the FS-PR signature model marching snare drumstick.  The FS-PR2 is constructed of heartwood hickory, and features a slightly larger thickness, a long taper and a larger bulleted barrel shaped bead creating a quick rebound, while the larger size produces a full dark sound. 

Features:

·         Heartwood Hickory

·         Bulleted Barrel Shaped Bead

·         Long Taper

·         Length: 17"

·         Thickness: .710"

FIELD SERIES BASS MALLETS – TAPERED HANDLE

Innovative Percussion is now pleased to offer our Field Series Marching Bass Drum Mallets with a tapered handle, in addition to the "fulcrum notch" models.  The tapered handle is designed with a flared taper at both ends of the mallets, creating an excellent balance and durability.  Graduated in length, these models allow players on any size drum to easily achieve correct beater placement and supreme sound quality, while giving a feel that may be more familiar to many players.  These mallets are constructed out of heartwood hickory for increased durability and extra hard felt heads with no flat spot for strong articulation and durability. 

Features:

·         Heartwood Hickory Shafts

·         Hard Felt Heads

·         Tapered Handle

·                  Graduated Length

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	Recommended Drum Sizes	Head Sizes	Length:
FBX-1:	16" – 18" bass drums	1 3/8" x 1"	14 1/4"
FBX-2:	18" – 22" bass drums	1 5/8" x 1 1/4"	14 1/4"
FBX-3:	22" – 26" bass drums	1 7/8" x 1 1/4"	14 1/4"
FBX-4:	26" – 30" bass drums	2 1/8" x 1 1/2"	14 1/2"
FBX-5:	30" – 32" bass drums	2 1/2" x 1 3/4"	14 3/4"

SOLOIST SERIES MODEL IP275(R) MEDIUM HARD LEGATO

The latest addition to the ever popular soloist series was originally designed as our custom "Night Rhapsody" mallet.  With increased popularity for many additional works, it was time to add the IP275 to standard models offered in the Soloist Series.  The IP275 is constructed with a rubber core and wrapped with 100% wool yarn to deliver a brilliant, rich tone with the warmest fundamental possible in all registers of the marimba.  Like the rest of the series, the IP275 is offered on both polished birch or extra durable rattan handles. 

Features:

• Hard rubber cores to create a full rich tone and warm fundamental
• Available with birch or extra durable rattan handles
• 100% wool yarn

LALO DAVILA TIMBALE MODELS LS-LD1 & LS-LD3

Along with the LS-LD Lalo Davila timbale stick, Innovative Percussion now offers two additional size choices, the smaller "Azucar" and larger "Mambo" timbale sticks.  The LS-LD models are designed to the specifications of Lalo Davila, percussionist and singer for the Salsa Band Orkesta Eme Pe, as well as former percussionist with Take-6 and Vickie Carr.  Also an accomplished educator in the area of Latin percussion, Lalo's timbale sticks are constructed of hickory for increased durability and are available in three diameters and sixteen inch length for great feel and response on timbales, bells, and cymbals. 

Features:

·         Hickory

·         Length: 16"

·         Thickness: LS-LD1 3/8"; LS-LD 7/16"; LS-LD3 1/2"

EXPANDED FUNDAMENTAL SERIES

After many requests from percussion educators and dealers around the world, the Fundamental Series has been expanded to 15 models with the addition of three new medium hardness wrapped models (F1.5, F3.5, F5.5) and one hard unwrapped model (F8.5).  All four models are color coded with either a blue extra durable synthetic yarn or tightly woven multi-ply cord wrap, and a blue rubber core on the F8.5.  All models feature black birch dowels, with one vibraphone model also available with high quality rattan handles.

Models:

F1.5                    MEDIUM MARIMBA

F3.5                    MEDIUM VIBRAPHONE

F5.5                    MEDIUM VIBRAPHONE on RATTAN

F8.5                    HARD RUBBER MARIMBA

BR-7 SYNTHETIC BUNDLE RODS HEAVY

The BR-7 is the latest model to be added to the IP family of brushes.  Featuring large synthetic rods, the BR-7 is fixed within a textured grip handle and features an adjustable tension band.  The BR-7 creates a fuller sound than other synthetic bundles, yet still creates a unique timbre different from a drumstick.

Features:

• Extra heavy synthetic rods
• Textured grip handles
• Adjustable rubber sleeve