Once again I find myself engaged to play the tam-tam. That’s a big gong, basically that doesn’t have a specific pitch. It’s good to be precise about these things. As I mentioned last time, I was playing on the Berg Three Pieces. That’s a really tasty part, it turns out. I was positioned across the stage from the rest of the percussion section, which worked out well. I was trying out several beaters and stumbled on a nice red Grover beater (the medium size) that belongs to the Saint Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra. One stroke and I was hooked! It’s light, yet produces a strong fundamental. With most other sticks you get to choose: attack or full sound. This one has both. I’m playing TT again next week (among other things) and will definitely take that stick again. In fact, I just ordered one of my own from Steve Weiss. I want to make sure I have it in my tool box at all times!
Addition: Playing on La Mer and the Duttileux cello concerto this week. I’m using my new Grover TT sticky and loving it! Three thumbs up! Now I want the other two sizes for a complete set…
