| The Marimba has come a long way - both | | | | The marimba is composed of metal keys of |
| geographically and technically speaking. The | | | | varying lengths hit by soft yarn mallets to |
| proto-marimba has long been a part of | | | | produce varying tones. Many marimba players |
| Amazonian, West African, and Central American | | | | play using two mallets, or even using two mallets |
| cultures. In our society, they are the epitome of a | | | | in each hand (resulting in four mallets being used |
| classy, well respected instrument usually featured | | | | simultaneously). Some of the more advanced |
| in high culture circles (such as in academia and | | | | players can use even more mallets...which is truly |
| orchestras). Marimbas are one of the most | | | | amazing. There are many techniques to striking |
| beautiful sounding percussion instruments. While | | | | the marimba, so a good deal of emphasis is |
| very long and heavy, marimbas are capable of | | | | placed on proper mallet holding methods. |
| making very low to high tones that add an | | | | Depending on your personal style/capabilities and |
| ethereal quality to many music pieces. | | | | your teacher's personal preference, you may |
| People interested in percussion (and perhaps even | | | | learn the "traditional grip", the "Burton grip", or the |
| piano, since the overall layout is somewhat similar) | | | | "Stevens grip", amongst many others. |
| should study and master the marimba. While | | | | The marimba is an octave lower (an octave is |
| playing the marimba is standard on the collegiate | | | | equivalent to eight complete notes) than its |
| level, not too many people play the marimba | | | | smaller counterpart, the xylophone. The main |
| before or after college, which is a shame. | | | | difference between the two instruments is the |
| Although high school students may briefly | | | | resonators featured on the marimba. These |
| encounter the marimbas in marching bands and | | | | resonators (usually made of a light metal such as |
| drum and bugle corps, it is usually an insufficient | | | | aluminum) are of different lengths and widths to |
| amount of time to truly appreciate the | | | | help the marimba achieve its varying sounds. For |
| complexity and necessity of this instrument. | | | | the lower sounding notes, the resonators beneath |
| The reason for the high concentration of marimba | | | | the keys sometimes have to bend so as not to |
| playing in college, as opposed to any other time, is | | | | go straight through the floor! |
| that marimbas are very expensive instruments. | | | | Although many people are more familiar with the |
| Often running a couple thousand dollars, they are | | | | xylophone, the marimba serves as a sort of |
| too expensive for the average person. However, | | | | backbone in orchestras, ensembles, and bands. |
| many reputable music schools should have one or | | | | They are currently very popular in percussion |
| two of these at their disposal, and these places | | | | ensembles, jazz ensembles, and marimba |
| make for great practice areas (besides the fact | | | | concertos. Any musician with serious musical |
| that a professional will be teaching you proper | | | | aspirations simply must explore this wonderful and |
| technique). There are affordable ways to get | | | | challenging instrument. |
| behind a marimba - do it! | | | | |