Author name: Mark Wessels

OFFHAND FUNDAMENTALSwith music city mystique:Gumption Position Gumption is first of two primary positions for playing crashes and crash chokes. We call it “gumption” because of the commanding attitude and boldness, “umph” that it demonstrates when correctly performed. Music City Mystique Cymbal Instructor Zach Blessing details the Gumption position: ESTABLISHING A PERFECT GUMPTION POSITION: Gumption is […]

OFFHAND FUNDAMENTALSwith music city mystique:Hip Rest Position The Hip Rest position is often used as a check point or starting point for flips and juggles. In this video, Music City Mystique Cymbal Line Instructor Zach Blessing describes the perfect set position that you’ll use during rehearsals. Music City Mystique Cymbal Instructor Zach Blessing details the

OFFHAND FUNDAMENTALSwith music city mystique:Set Position As one of the most visual ensembles in the marching percussion section, how you carry yourself and position your cymbals will demonstrate your performance attitude – even before you play a single note. Music City Mystique Cymbal Instructor Zach Blessing details the set position: ESTABLISHING A PERFECT SET POSITION:

OFFHAND FUNDAMENTALSwith music city mystique:Posture and Standby Position As one of the most visual ensembles in the marching percussion section, how you carry yourself and position your cymbals will demonstrate your performance attitude – even before you play a single note. Music City Mystique Cymbal Instructor Zach Blessing details the perfect posture and standby position:

OFFHAND FUNDAMENTALSwith music city mystique:Garfield Grip The most fundamental, go-to grip for marching cymbals is the “Garfield Grip”, named after the grip created by the Garfield Cadet Drum & Bugle Corps’ award winning cymbal lines from the mid-1980s. This grip creates solid control over the cymbal and alieviates the tension that results from holding the

OFFHAND FUNDAMENTALSwith music city mystique:Cymbal Selection There are a wide range of choices available when selecting cymbals for your ensemble. Alex Queen talks about size, weight and sound considerations as well as budget options for choosing cymbals.  Be sure to read below for a full description of many of Zildjian’s options! Music City Mystique Cymbal

OFFHAND FUNDAMENTALSwith music city mystique:Straps and Pads, Tying a Cymbal Knot Music City Mystique Cymbal Instructor Alex Queen walks you through the basics of straps and pads, from selecting the right kind of cymbal strap to learning to adjust strap tension and tie a cymbal knot. A must-see video for every new cymbal player who

OFFHAND FUNDAMENTALSwith music city mystique:Care and Maintenance To gain respect as a member of a musical ensemble and as a cymbal line requires you to show respect to your instrument. Learning to properly maintain the quality of your cymbals, keep them clean, transport and store them properly will demonstrate that you are deserving of respect,