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Not enough percussion for sightreading

Posted by Perc. Impaired on 1/22/2026, 9:15 am

Our sightreading this year calls for two more percussionists than I have. Obviously I will leave out the bell part, but other than that, is it acceptable for me to leave out the timpani part? The band is very small, so sticking a wind player on something like bass drum is not really an option. Is leaving out timpani my best option, or should i leave out an accessory part?

Re: Not enough percussion for sightreading

Posted by fumw on 1/26/2026, 4:11 am, in reply to "Not enough percussion for sightreading"

Ask the judge that is giving instructions/compliance monitor. They have heard the piece and know what the priorities are. I have had that come up once (before the new format) and that is what I did. Told the judge the number of players, he told me what to leave out. No problem.

Re: Not enough percussion for sightreading

Posted by Tromboneteacher on 1/24/2026, 11:16 am, in reply to "Not enough percussion for sightreading"

I only have two percussionists in my JH varsity band due to scheduling problems. I am planning on only using snare and bass. If I see that something else is more important than bass in the score, I may switch that person to it instead if necessary. I would think the judges will see the students and understand what you are doing as long as you are covering what you can.

Re: Not enough percussion for sightreading

Posted by Big guy in a small school on 1/22/2026, 8:08 pm, in reply to "Not enough percussion for sightreading"

If you don't have enough kids it's no big deal. Cover as many as you can, in this order.
Snare
Bass
Cymbal
Accessories
Timpani (you can tune them before you play if needed)
Bells

Re: Not enough percussion for sightreading

Posted by Cover what you can on 1/22/2026, 3:46 pm, in reply to "Not enough percussion for sightreading"

How many percussion do you have?

Snare, Bass, Cymbals to start. Everything else can come after. Leaving out bells and/or timpani shouldn't hurt you

Re: Not enough percussion for sightreading

Posted by Percussion Director on 1/22/2026, 3:22 pm, in reply to "Not enough percussion for sightreading"

I’ve only worked for 5 years, so I don’t have whole lot of experience yet. However, from my experience the judges seem pretty understanding and will accept wherever you put them. I typically leave out bells and an accessory spot if necessary, but I’d say to put your student on whatever you feel they will be most successful playing.

Re: Not enough percussion for sightreading

Posted by Me on 1/22/2026, 2:53 pm, in reply to "Not enough percussion for sightreading"

My priority of instruments for sight reading is: Snare>Bass>Timpani>Accessories>Mallets. But depending on the parts I may drop the timpani part if there is an important accessory part. Keep an eye on the other website that talks about SR if you want (wink wink) or make the call when you go in the room and can see the score for the first time.

Re: Not enough percussion for sightreading

Posted by AFAIK on 1/22/2026, 12:08 pm, in reply to "Not enough percussion for sightreading"

You should be fine as far as I'm aware. As long as you have players in the core handling the sight reading it should be okay. Maybe double check with your region person?

Re: Not enough percussion for sightreading

Posted by Pretzel Guy on 1/22/2026, 12:00 pm, in reply to "Not enough percussion for sightreading"

The last year I went I only had 3 kids, Snare, Bass, and Suspended Cymbal.

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