- Towel– Having a tray to place mallets, sticks, beaters and small percussion instruments on is an important accessory for a percussionist, but unless it’s carpeted or foamed it could be a source of noise that is unmusical, offensive and unwanted. Having a towel (preferably not brightly colored) is just the accessory that every percussionist should carry. Not only can the towel be placed on a horizontal music stand to stop unwanted noise when putting down mallets, etc., but can also be used, in a pinch, as a muffler on a concert bass drum.
- Duct Tape is the universal tool for quick fix emergencies that happen before a performance. It can be used to keep stands together when screws get stripped from over tightening; yes it happens. It can even be used as a replacement felt washer on a cymbal stand by taping over the metal washer and stem. Obviously not great but a quick fix. There are so many other uses of duct tape; just be creative.
- Fishing line – This is an important accessory if you play snare drum or triangle. A broken set of snares can be tied up as a temporary fix and that frayed or broken line on your triangle clip is an easy fix. On second thought, why not add a second line as a back up. No one wants to hear a triangle fall to the floor, especially during a quiet passage, which is when it will happen.
- Drum Key – It seems like an obvious choice, but having more than one is even wiser. You will understand when you need one!
- Pencil – The most important tool a percussionist must have! It’s always good to write down important info on your music like stick or mallet choices, reminders regarding repeats, etc., or even set-up info. Oh, and keep it sharpened!
Mr. Peter Philip DeSalvo, a native Long Islander, has directed school concert and jazz bands as well as numerous other ensembles for over 30 years. Mr. DeSalvo is a highly respected conductor, having worked with All-County and select ensembles in the Tri-state area. His performing groups have competed at the state, regional and national levels, always receiving outstanding ratings.
He earned his Bachelor of Music (BM) from the Crane School of Music, State University College at Potsdam, New York under the watchful eye of Professor James Petercsak, and received his Masters of Science (MS) from C.W. Post College of Long Island University, Greenvale, New York. Pete also studied 5 years with his mentor/teacher, Henry Adler, and is currently, under the tutelage of Bryan Carrott, completing his Doctorate of Musical Arts degree at Five Towns College.
Mr. DeSalvo is an active member of the Suffolk County Music Educators Association (SCMEA), having chaired several festivals, has adjudicated for the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) solo & ensemble festivals for over 25 years and has been the co-chair of the Suffolk County Day of Percussion for over 10 years. He is also on the Education Committee of the Percussive Arts Society (PAS) and is currently the Downstate Vice President of the New York State Chapter of PAS.
Pete’s performance credits range from jazz to country, rock to classical, as well as numerous regional musical theater shows and is a founding member of the Stik Figures Percussion Ensemble. He has worked with jazz artists such as Clark Terry, Milt Hinton, Warren Vache’, Ray Andersen, Bobby Watson and Pete McGuinness. As a symphonic timpanist, Pete also has performed in concert under the direction of such luminaries as Aaron Copland, Stanley Chapel and Robert Shaw. His compositions are published by Bachovich Music Publishers and is endorsed by Grover Pro Percussion, Silver Fox Drumsticks and Mike Balter Mallets.
Mr. DeSalvo recently retired as Director of Bands at Sayville High School and is currently an Adjunct Percussion professor at Five Towns College. He also maintains an active performing, recording, producing, teaching, and piano tuning career, here on Long Island and in Pennsylvania, where he lives with his wife, Trish.
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