"The timpani head is actually sprayed down with water to create a better resistance between the head and fingers. I played it using my thumbs facing horozonatally to each other, starting from the head center pressing through the drum pulling my fingers toward me. I've found its easier to get a more pronounced tone pulling toward you than trying to push away"  

"Candy Bear" commenting on the Japanese band version of the piece.  

On Mon, Dec 6, 2010 at 11:50 PM, Michael Fugere <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
Hmm, I am not sure, but I think that some symphonic tympani heads have
significantly different "texture" to the surface (with corresponding
difference in surface friction) than some of the more
utilitarian/indestructible heads that may be on the high school instruments
we are using?   Could this explain the difference in the ability to produce
the desired sound effect for the whale bit? The variation could be akin to
whether or not one wet's a finger or not before trying to "play" a crystal
wineglass.

<rant>
Personally, I am TRYING to like this piece, but..  It seems to be very
sloppily/lazily arranged, not what I usually expect from Robert W Smith.   I
am hopeful that Cindy's efforts will be successful.
</rant>
Mike Fugere

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-----Original Message-----
From: Upper Valley Community Band
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of John Erickson
Sent: Monday, December 06, 2010 9:14 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: "Songs of Sailors and Sea" recordings online

Tim was asking about these:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UR1HyxUe4-c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xgPXlFlvjI

--
John S. Erickson, Ph.D.
http://bitwacker.com
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Twitter: @olyerickson
Skype: @olyerickson