"14 Modern Contest Solos" by John S. Pratt is a comprehensive collection of musical pieces specifically designed to help percussionists enhance their skills and techniques. This book features fourteen challenging solos, each carefully composed to highlight different aspects of percussion playing. It serves as a valuable resource for both students and professional percussionists looking to expand their repertoire.
What sets this book apart is the wide range of musical styles displayed in Pratt's compositions. From the jazzy rhythms of "Afro-Rock" to the intricate polyrhythms of "Wooden Stick Dance," each solo offers a unique and engaging musical experience for both the performer and the audience. This variety allows percussionists to explore and develop their versatility across different genres.
One of the strengths of this book is Pratt's attention to technical challenges. Each solo is meticulously crafted to target specific techniques, ranging from simple rudiments to advanced stick control. This allows percussionists to progress systematically through the book, gradually enhancing their technical abilities. Moreover, Pratt provides helpful performance tips and explanations throughout the book, offering further guidance as players tackle the challenging passages.
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The level of difficulty in "14 Modern Contest Solos" is suitable for intermediate to advanced players. While some solos may present a significant challenge, they are designed to push players to their limits and facilitate growth. The varying levels of difficulty ensure that players of different skill levels can find solos that are suitable for their abilities.
In conclusion, "14 Modern Contest Solos" by John S. Pratt is an exceptional resource for percussionists looking to broaden their repertoire and improve their technical abilities. With its diverse range of musical styles, careful consideration of technical challenges, and varying levels of difficulty, this book becomes an invaluable tool for both students and professionals in the world of percussion.
What are readers saying?
The book "14 Modern Contest Solos" by John S. Pratt has received a range of reviews from readers. Primarily aimed at drummers, this book offers a compilation of solo pieces specifically designed for use in modern music competitions. While some readers appreciate the book for its challenging and enjoyable compositions, others criticize it for lacking diversity and having an outdated musical style.
Many readers highly value the level of difficulty presented in the solos, finding them to be excellent tools for enhancing technique and musicality. They commend John S. Pratt for creating demanding compositions that push their drumming skills to new heights. These reviewers emphasize the technicality and complexity of the solos, as well as their ability to entertain both performers and listeners.
However, some readers express disappointment with the limited range of styles found in the solos. They believe the book relies too heavily on traditional drumming techniques and fails to incorporate enough contemporary styles. These reviewers argue that the pieces may not adequately demonstrate a drummer's versatility in modern music competitions.
Another common criticism revolves around the book's lack of guidance and heavy reliance on traditional musical notation. Some readers feel that additional explanations or instructional content would have been beneficial, as the solos can be challenging to interpret without further guidance. They suggest that video tutorials or practice tips would have better assisted readers in mastering the solos.
Despite these critiques, many reviewers still find value in the book as a resource for developing skills and expanding their repertoire. They appreciate the opportunity to explore different rhythmic patterns and techniques through the solos. Some recommend using the book alongside other resources to broaden one's musical horizons.
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