Update - percussion notes #1

first solo percussion update with images and sound-bites

Aug 17, 2025

Hello everyone,

Welcome to the first update from my solo percussion project supported by Art Council’s Develop Your Creative Practice Grant.

This coming year, I will examine my practice as a solo percussionist, documenting the process as I go along.

This project comprises several key elements: sourcing new objects, developing techniques through experimentation, mentoring sessions and analysis of existing percussion music. There will also be pieces recorded and broadcasted by Chapel FM, an art centre and radio station based in East Leeds.

My first statement as an improviser was in fact as a solo percussionist, and since then, I’ve partaken in numerous projects ranging from small to large ensembles. Going back to what initially started my journey as an improviser is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and I’m pleased to now have the support to do so.

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I recently conducted my first trip to a 150 year old spring factory in rural Yorkshire (pictures below). The aim was to source new sounds to incorporate into my setup.

I brought along just a single drumstick and was given free rein to experiment with different pieces. In the end, I took home some “off-cuts” that would have otherwise been discarded. What fascinated me about them were the subtle nuances—especially the overtones.

Sounds

Context: the objects are played resting on a small piece of styrofoam positioned on a snare drum, and struck with a triangle beater. The sound samples below are just to give a rough idea of the character of these objects.

additionally: The blue-ish squares with the hole in the corner are off cuts of 2mm hardened and tempered carbon spring steel. The big circles is the same material and left over from inside a spring washer. We used a laser to cut holes into the objects, seeing how it might alter the timbre.