As directors you are aware that accessory percussion instruments are used at every level of the concert band literature. However, it may not be as clear what instruments are now considered "standard" and should be included in the basic percussion inventory of your music program.

Below I have listed the standard accessory instruments that are needed relative to the level of the ensemble and have offered suggestions to fill these needs.

The suggestions I have made are quality instruments from the Latin Percussion family of percussion instruments. Many of these may be familiar to you but others may not. Let me explain some of my suggestions.

For wood blocks I suggest the LP 1205/1207 Jam Blocks to fill this need. These tone blocks are made of Jenigor, a special plastic, that has the traditional wood block sound with the durability of plastic. This durability is ideal for any band program. Besides the concert band literature, this instrument is exceptional in jazz band and percussion ensemble. In addition, many Color Guard instructors now use this to "sound time" during rehearsals instead of using the old stand-by - drum sticks.The cut of a Jam Block can be heard all over the field.

For Elementary Band, I have suggested the LP Cyclops Tambourine again for its quality sound and durability. However, this is a headless tambourine and will not be suited to all literature. That is why the CP Headed Tambourine is added in Junior High. This instrument will enable the percussionists to play more characteristic parts as they develop.

As many of you may realize, temple blocks seem to crack all the time. The LP Granite Blocks are an ideal solution to this problem. Constructed of Jenigor like the Jam Blocks, this instrument is very durable with a great cutting sound. I've used it in Concert Band, Percussion Ensemble, and Broadway Shows with excellent success.

One of the problems that percussionists seem to always have is how to mount cowbells, wood blocks, etc. The LP Everything Rack provides a compact attachment for mounting various percussion accessories to a standard suspended cymbal stand. This is extremely handy for use in concert bands, pit orchestras for musicals, percussion ensembles, solo percussion pieces, and the "pit" area of marching band. This item has become indispensable in my own free-lance performing.

In every musical setting, especially in the school system, durability and dependability are just as important as sound quality. I highly recommend the LP Super Guiro, King Klave, and Pro Maracas for fulfilling all three of these aspects. Patterned after the classic Cuban gourd guiro, the LP Super Guiro has a great sound and will withstand the abuse of the average band setting. Similarly the plastic Pro Maracas are incredibly durable. A stunning recent development is the King Klave. Made of a synthetic material, this clave has a consistent and powerful sound. I use all of these with my students and in my own performing.

With literally hundreds of small percussion instruments that are incorporated in today's literature, I have only listed the minimum basics that every well-equipped music program should possess. Remember that world music is now a major force and more ethnic percussion instruments will be incorporated in the works of contemporary composers. Today's music programs will continually need to expand their inventory and educators extend their knowledge of this exciting new music.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BAND

• 1 - Block LAT 1205 Jam Block, high pitch
• 1 - Triangle LAT 311B 5" Triangle
• 1 - Cowbell LAT 204 Black Beauty Cowbell
• 1 - Tambourine LAT 170 Cyclops Tambourine

JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL BAND

• 2 - Blocks LAT 1205 Jam Block, high pitch LAT 1207 Jam Block, low pitch
• 2 - Triangles LAT 311B 5" Triangle LAT 311C 6" Triangle
• 2 - Cowbells LAT 204A Black Beauty Cowbell LAT 229 Mambo Cowbell
• 2 - Tambourines LAT 170 Cyclops Tambourine CP380 10" Headed Tambourine
• 1 - Temple Blocks LAT1210 LAT Granite Blocks
• 2 pr - Castanets LAT 430 Castanets
• 1 pr - Claves LAT 597 King Klave
• 1 pr - Maracas LAT 281 Professional Maracas

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL CONCERT BAD

• 4 - Wood Blocks LAT 1205 Jam Block, high pitch LAT 1207 Jam Block, low pitch LAT 684 Groove Block, small LAT 685 Groove Block, large
• 3 - Triangles LAT 311B 5" Triangle LAT 311C 6" Triangle LAT 311A 3" Triangle
• 4 - Cowbells LAT 204A Black Beauty Cowbell LAT 229 Mambo Cowbell LAT 206A Bongo Cowbell LAT 575 Tapon Cowbell LAT 231A Agogo Bells, standard
• 3 - Tambourines LAT 170 Cyclops Tambourine CP 380 10" Headed Tamb.
• 1 - Temple Blocks LAT 1210 LAT Granite Blocks
• 2 pr - Castanets LAT 430 Castanets
• 2 pr - Claves LAT 597King Klave LAT 262R Traditional Clave
• 2 pr - Maracas LAT 281 Professional Maracas LAT 389 Fiber Maracas
• 1 Afuche/Cabasa LAT 234A Afuche, Cabasa, Std.
• 1 - Guiro LAT 243 Super Guiro
• 1 - Vibra Slap LAT 208 Vibra Slap
• 1 pr - Finger Cymbals LAT 436 Finger Cymbals
• 1 - Cowbell/Wood Block Rack LAT 372 Everything Rack
• 2 - Bar Chimes LAT 511 Concert Bar Chimes LAT 515 Studio Bar Chimes