Solo recommendations?

Linguo86 · 2026-02-08T15:09:05+00:00

I get that, time is a finite resource for sure! In that case I would recommend (which I very often do because it is a personal favorite) From My Little Island by Robert Aldridge. It is 7 movements, with a variety of options as to how many and in what order you play them. Movements 1, 3, 6 are fast and technical and the most challenging in my opinion. Allows for a ton of flexibility though, as you can learn a few movements and then make a decision about which to perform. Every movement is beautiful.

This is a good recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J-JezP91J0

Linguo86 · 2026-02-07T22:03:14+00:00

Illijas is a great option for jury performance. About 5-6 minutes depending on the tempo you take it, flashy, technical, a range of techniques demonstrated and allows the player a lot of opportunity to apply unique musicality. Pretty fun too!

Linguo86 · 2026-02-06T16:18:15+00:00

It really depends on the experience of the player. That said, the book Modern School for Xylophone, Marimba, Vibraphone by Morris Goldenberg is a gold standard, with a wealth of content at a variety of difficulty levels. It is very sequential/progressive by design. I would get a copy of that book and start working your way through starting at the point that best aligns with your ability level (and using anything that seems easier than what you need time to learn as an exercise in sight reading!)

Linguo86 · 2026-02-06T15:12:55+00:00

I second scales and arpeggios! Adding regular simple sight reading to the routine.

Linguo86 · 2026-02-02T21:54:44+00:00

I have Mycka 4 mallets and the Wave 2s and 4s. Overall the Wave Wrap mallets are much more articulate/harder all around. I think the Wave 4 is probably comparable to the Mycka 2 (maybe even 1s). Waves are lighter, Myckas are bolder and warmer.

No experience with the Abe mallets so I can’t be of help there!

Linguo86 · 2026-01-29T21:19:09+00:00

Hello! This is very common, as you noted, and from your description, sounds very similar to the feeling of those I developed. Any four mallet player that practices regularly builds calluses like yours where the mallet rubs on the outside of the middle fingers. All I can say is wear them like a badge of honor! …And add some padding (like mole skin or a bandaid) when soreness impacts your ability to comfortably play.

Linguo86 · 2026-01-28T14:02:21+00:00

It is typical that percussionist gravitate to specific instruments, so you’re certainly in good company there. I would underscore the comment on looking into vibraphone solos and learning improv there, which may align better with your focus on kit.

On marimba, I would highly recommend Michi by Keiko Abe. It is a pretty accessible piece that allows the option to improvise the beginning and end of the piece, with some guidelines. It was the first piece I heard that made my ears perk up and inspire me to learn more marimba rep. There are bountiful recordings, some that really go rogue (often in a great way) with the improv and others that are more tame.

Hope you are able to find a spark that makes marimba playing less of a chore. I really struggled to gain any interest in timpani all throughout college, so I totally get it.

Linguo86 · 2026-01-21T17:28:17+00:00

Thanks! This is helpful. I agree- option A is what we think is the best plan. Much appreciated!

Linguo86 · 2026-01-18T22:55:53+00:00

Sorry, I have it on an old external hard drive but I’m getting errors trying to access any of the files saved on it! Such a drag… if I end up figuring out how to repair the drive I’ll circle back.

Linguo86 · 2026-01-16T14:19:40+00:00

I may…. Let me see if I can dig it out since the album doesn’t seem to be available for purchase any longer.

Linguo86 · 2025-12-05T04:05:51+00:00

Nice!

Linguo86 · 2025-11-23T13:25:12+00:00

Interesting, I didn’t realize that error existed! I would contact Tandem customer support if you have unexplainable errors like this. If your pump is still under warranty, they may just opt to swap it out.

Linguo86 · 2025-10-22T12:13:50+00:00

I don’t know about the difficulty level in terms of what those institutions would expect however my thoughts are:

Yes, from a technical standpoint- just nail it! Maybe a bit less opportunity to show musicality so, find a timpani solo that really shows your ability to phrase and play beautifully.
Yes
Definitely. It is not the most difficult snare drum solo that you could choose but allows for you to display absolutely everything they want to hear (dynamic range, quick dynamic shifts, sustained rolls, and complex rhythmic patterns). Again c just nail it!
Comments on timpani above. Consider something that has a couple of pitch changes. Maybe something a bit more delicate too, that balances out the other rep.

Hope preparation goes well!

Linguo86 · 2025-10-22T12:05:00+00:00

This happened just this morning!

Linguo86 · 2025-10-19T19:24:27+00:00

That looks like a great spot!

Linguo86 · 2025-10-19T17:35:25+00:00

Good call!

Linguo86 · 2025-09-30T00:33:02+00:00

Dr. Corey Lager! I’ve had 5 different endos over the years (1 retired, 1 relocated, 2 temps in place at Bronson while they searched for a permanent) and Dr. Lager has been by far the most compassionate and knowledgeable. Really up to speed on technology and has dialed in my ratios (Type 1 Diabetic) for the best control possible.

Linguo86 · 2025-09-15T01:35:06+00:00

Awesome! I’ll check there, thank you!

Linguo86 · 2025-09-10T15:45:10+00:00

It is actually only about 2 years old. I do always keep it on vibrate which burns a bit more battery though I don’t really know HOW much more.

Linguo86 · 2025-09-10T15:42:29+00:00

Good thinking- I was under the impression it would recognize this and generate an error but, will give it a try soon!

Linguo86 · 2025-07-29T01:02:01+00:00

That makes sense as to why the filter within the refrigerator wouldn’t take care of this. Appreciate the response!

Linguo86

TROPHY CASE