"I highly recommend Cymbal Technique 101 to anyone that teaches or plays marching cymbals. Eddie Capps has come up with the most comprehensive book on Marching Cymbals in the market. Clear and concise instructions are found throughout the book along with numerous picture demonstrations. This book is a must have in any band library."
Clint Gillespie
Assistant Director of Bands-Jacksonville State University; Percussion Arranger-Spirit Drum and Bugle Corps; Former Instructor for Carolina Crown and Southwind Drum and Bugle Corps.
" Eddie Capps and Andrew Nixon have done a great service for the percussion marching activity by putting together a clear and concise approach to not only technique, but concepts in cymbal ensemble innovation. "
Nick Angeles
Marched Drum Corps from 1980 to 1995 with the Satellites from Leicester, Ma, the Spartans from N.H., Boston Crusaders, Santa Clara Vanguard, Star of Indiana and the Blue knights. Solo snare drummer with "Brass theater featuring the Canadian Brass" He was a lead in the hit Tony and Emmy award winning Broadway show, "Blast!". Individual Snare Drum World Champion in 1992. Currently, he is the Percussion Caption Head for The Spirit from J.S.U. and also BOA two time finalists, Kennesaw Mountain H.S.
"Cymbal Technique 101 is a very thorough introduction to the highly developed world of marching cymbals. Not only does it provide important fundamental information for beginning musicians, but it also details award winning techniques that can be applied by even the most experienced music teachers."
Sean Vega
DCI Tenor Individual title in 1995. 3 DCI championship and 3 DCI high percussion titles. A Blue Devil staff member since 1997. Caption head and arranger for the world-renowned Riverside Community College Marching Tigers. Some of Sean’s teaching credits include the 1999 and 2003 DCI World Championship titles (BD) and the 2002 WGI Independent World title (RCC). A current endorser of Dynasty USA, Vic Firth, Remo, and Xymox Percussion. Sean actively performs, adjudicates, and serves as a clinician for Bands of America, Bowl Games of America, Percussive Arts Society, Drum Corps International, and Drum Corps Europe.
"Hands down this is the best book on the market. From the novice cymbal player, to the advanced cymbal player, no other book covers every aspect when it comes to marching cymbals. We recommend it to anyone who wants to march cymbals at Odyssey."
Shane George
Executive Director of Odyssey Percussion Theatre; a percussion instructor for several ensembles including, Auburn High School, Enterprise High School, Brookwood High School, Collins Hill High School, Pariah Percussion Ensemble and Georgia Tech.
"Cymbal Technique 101 is an excellent guide for the setup of a cymbal program. This book is short and to the point and very helpful at every level. I would recommend it for any program."
Shane Gwaltney Music City Mystique,
Choctawhatchee High School
"Cymbal Technique 101 is a must have educational tool. It goes right to the heart of cymbal technique and care in marching percussion. The DVD is great because you and your students can hear and see the examples in the book. I highly recommend the Book/DVD combo. Your program will definitely benefit from this great educational tool!"
Bret Kuhn, Clinician and Performing Artist
Bret served as Caption Head and Percussion Arranger for the World Champion Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps. Having won 6 world championships and 5 High Percussion Awards. He is the percussion coordinator for the Prospect High School music program. Bret is currently a consultant for the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps.
Bret has written articles for publication in Percussive Notes Magazine and currently serves on the Board of Directors for PAS.
He is also active as a Percussion arranger for various Colleges and High Schools across the nation and abroad. He has traveled extensively presenting clinics across the U.S., Japan and Europe for Yamaha, Zildjian, Remo and Innovative Percussion.
"If your looking for an excellent educational resource for marching cymbals, Foundations in Brass is the one. It's about time someone unleashed the artistry of the marching cymbal lline!"
Andrew Klein
Andrew Klein has instructed several drumlines across the state of Indiana. He has served on the instructional staff of the Indiana All-State High School Marimba/Percussion Ensemble, Greenfield Central (ISSMA state finalist and WGI world finalist), Hamilton Southeastern (IPA State Finalist), and many others. Klein is currently a student at Ball State University finishing his bachelors degree in music education. He has performed in Plan B (2003 WGI world finalist), Ball State's Concerto Competition, PASIC I&E, and IPA I&E where he was awarded the 2005 collegiate winner.
"The Cymbal Technique 101 Book/DVD was exactly what I was looking for; better even. I was hoping to find a book with cymbal notation for a marching cymbal line. Not only did the book have easy to read and comprehend notation, it also contained and had how to use the techniques. The DVD was a tremendous help in hearing how each different cymbal attack is suppose to sound and be played. I am an all-state euphonium player graduating from high school on Friday. I was hoping to find a cymbal book with appropriate noteheads and names for the various attacks. There is so little out there on cymbal line playing and techniques. The DVD instruction was great, as were the ensembles and exercises. The information in your book should be the standard for cymbal line playing. If you haven’t already won an award for this, you should present it at PASIC or something. It is well informed and well presented. 100 A+. Thank you."
Eric Harrison
Fort Bend Elkins High School 4 Years (2001-2005; Euphonium)
Houston Youth Symphony: Pictures at an Exhibition - “Bydlo” (2004; Euphonium)
Fort Bend Elkins Indoor Drumline: Alienation by Robert Green (2005; Marimba)
TMEA All-State (2005; Euphonium)
University of Texas Longhorn Band (2005-2006; Baritone)
University of Texas, Austin Wind Ensemble (2005-2006; Euphonium)
"This DVD is the very best resource I have seen for cymbal technique. The concepts and techniques are carefully explained and are very complete. Nicely done!"
Dale Hallerberg, FMM The Cavaliers
Alumnus of the Illini Drumline (University of Illinois)
Past assistant drum instructor, The Cavaliers
Former DCI Judge
'05-'06 Chicago Bears Drumline
Barrington High School Drumline Instructor
The Cymbal Technique 101 program is the most comprehensive tool available to date for playing and teaching cymbal technique. The slow motion portions of the DVD allow the students to see visually how to master movements and hand positions. In today’s world of higher, faster, now, this Book/DVD provides a a ‘straight to the point’ approach that would be a great addition to any
marching musician’s library.
Jon Berg
Cymbal Technician, L.e.a.P. percussion organization, Instructor for several ensembles including Johnston High School and Wheaton Warrenville South High School. Performance experience includes Emerald Knights Drum and Bugle Corps, Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps, Central Missouri State University.
“Foundations in Brass is an excellent book for both players and instructors. As an instructor that has no cymbal experience what so ever, this book has been invaluable to both me and my students. I feel that with the knowledge put forth in the book, I will be able to field an excellent cymbal line – both enhancing the overall program and giving more students the ability to participate.”
Jeremy Vest
I am currently the Percussion Director at Chamberlain HS in Tampa. I have been there for about 8 years now. I also am an Adjudicator for the FFJA, USSBA and FMBC. I am a member of the Vic Firth Education Team, PAS, MENC and FMEA.
"If you teach percussion on any level marching or concert, add this Book/DVD to your list of fundamental must haves.
Innovative, Thorough, Clear and Concise; You and your students will love it!"
John S. Dunlap
Hatboro Horsham, CB West, Harrison Central, Tate, Choctaw, Cynosure, Jersey Surf, Bushwackers, Blue Devils,
Univ. Southern Mississippi, Innovative Percussion, WGI, DCI, DCA, TOB, CIDA, KIDA, GCGC, BOA, FBA, MENC, PAS
“Just like any instrument in the battery, techniques and philosophies will vary, but this is a great starting point. You will find useful insight no matter what your skill level or experience. I recommend these materials for beginners and instructors desiring a strong (cymbal line) program.”
Robert Groves
Assistant Director of Pinnacle Percussion Ensemble, Seattle/Everett,WA and Cymbal Line Instructor of Kamiak High School, Mukilteo, WA. Formerly instructed with Oregon Crusaders Drum & Bugle Corps of Portland, OR (2001-2004), Westcoast Sound Drum & Bugle Corps of Oceanside, CA (2000), Washington State University (2000-2001, 2003) and has served as a consultant to numerous cymbal lines throughout the country. Performance experience includes Seattle Cascades Drum & Bugle Corps, Cymbal Line Section Leader (1995, 1998-1999).
"I found out about your book while searching the Internet for cymbal technique. 'Lo and behold, your product was exactly what I was looking for. It is an excellent resource! Thanks a million for organizing this much neglected part of marching percussion."
Mark Chapa, Director of Percussion,
PSJA High School, San Juan, TX.
"We are currently working on setting up a cymbal program and I found Cymbal Technique 101 to be a huge addition to my library. I have yet to find a better book with as much detail about marching cymbals. It is a must have for any marching percussion program."
Dave Verstraete, Grandville High School
"I recently bought your cymbal technique book and dvd, and i have to say that it is awesome! i never thought so much could be done with cymbals! and that book and dvd really helped me since i am a sax player and i have no other staff to help me. danny raymond suggested i get your book to help me with my cymbal players, and i am very glad he did!"
Thanks so much!
Matt Flenner
Saxophone
Chiefland High School Band Director 1999 - present
Chiefland Middle School Band Director 1999 - present
Teacher of the Year for 2006-2007
"The cymbal technique DVD and Book are extremely informative and I'm glad that I purchased them to freshen up on my cymbal technique as well as to learning additional techniques and creative visuals."
Amanda Staszak, Highland Regional High School
“Foundations in Brass has helped me as both an educator and a student of music (aren’t we all?). The book is well thought out and put together in a natural progression. The music samples are extremely helpful to me and my students. The DVD is just icing on the cake. Being able to show my students what “right” looks like speeds up the learning curve and gives them a visual reference as well.
Bill Castillo
2002-present, Belleville East High School (Belleville, IL) – Percussion Director
2004-2005, Francis Howell Central Winter Drumline – Bass tech
Previous years, too many schools to list.
Phi Mu Alpha, Iota Psi ‘91
1990 Colts Drum and Bugle Corps – Front Ensemble
Product tester for Virtual Drumline:2 Sequencer for Key Poulan Music
"I was in Drum Corp this past summer (2005) with Memphis Sound and my cymbal instructor, Hope Grover, happened to talk about the cymbal line at Spirit and how their 2004 I&E performance was amazing. I happened to stumble upon your website and viewed useful materials that could spark an interest for the cymbal line on my highschool band's drumline. I did recieve the product and am very pleased with the results. It not only showed the cymbal line the potential fun that playing cymbals can bring, but also showed the instructors of the drumline and the rest of the ensemble that cymbals can amount to more than just left over people that play high hats or are just an extra human cymbal stand."
Erin Shepherd
Attend DeSoto Central High School in Southaven, MS
"I performed a search on-line for cymbal technique information and everything I tried either led me to your web site or recommended your book and dvd. After watching your preview on-line I thought I would give your program a try.
I am completely satisfied with your book and dvd. But what has really sold me about your teachings are two things:
first-the quick response to my dvd problem and the way you handled it-good customer service is so hard to find. You stand behind your product and your customers. For that I greatly thank you.
Secondly-I am excited about teaching my percussionist with your product, because you give me the basics to teach and allow me to build my program the way I want to.
I can't thank you enough for your Cymbal Technique 101 program."
Robert May, Percussion instructor at Tri-West Highschool, Lizton, Indiana
"It was very helpful for my cymbal players and gave them a fresh/new approach to playing the cymbals."
Thank you for a great product,
Scott Olsen
Percussion Specialist, McKinney High School, McKinney TX, 2002-Current Percussion Specialist, Naaman Forest HS, Garland TX, 2000-2002 Pit Instructor, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater OK, 1999
Marching Experiance:
Oklahoma State University Snare Line 1995-1998 Black Gold Drum and Bugle Corps Snare, 1993
"I asked the good people on the Drum Corps Planet bulletin board and they pointed me to your website. Great stuff BTW. I was already using Sibelius so it fit right in. The explanations and demos on the DVD were excellent. My cymbal techniques were years ago. The DVD really helped me get a proper perspective."
Dr. Jim Fox, Newburgh, IN USA
IBOWTIE BRASS
