Composer Needing some help percussionists

[believetheunseen]

Greetings! I'm currently working on my third original band composition, hooray! This time, I actually have a good chance of getting published as I've got a couple contacts now (I hate how this industry is about who you know and not what you can do).
Anyway, I'm primarily a professional woodwinds player, saxes "up" on the score I can handle. I did some brass study in college so I have a pretty good idea of what they can and cannot play, and their parts are similarly written to those of the woodwinds.
Percussion, however, has always been my downfall. I am really struggling with writing what I hear in my head.
Primarily with aux. parts. I understand the different timpani's, snare hits, bass drum, but delving into the land of different percussion is difficult for me.
I currently need to write something that sounds like dripping water on metal. I also need something that sounds like someone hitting a hammer on metal.
I was wondering if anyone had any ideas for me?

I was also wondering if anyone knew of a good online resource with tips on how to write aux. stuff? Like, what line do certain things typically go on, etc.?

Thanks to anyone who might respond!

 

[believetheunseen]

Please, anyone?

 

[Tzaousios]

I currently need to write something that sounds like dripping water on metal. I also need something that sounds like someone hitting a hammer on metal.
I was wondering if anyone had any ideas for me?

Water dripping on metal might be a bit difficult. Do you want a sound effect or does it have to be musical too?

As for a hammer hitting metal, aside from actually doing that, I can suggest the following. The bell (the raised part of a cymbal) makes a good metallic sound when struck with a stick. Also, in some more adventurous symphonic pieces, I have seen someone strike the metal hubcap of a car with a stick to produce this sound.

Another interesting metallic sound is lightly brushing a violin bow on the edge of a crash or ride cymbal until it starts ringing. Carl Palmer performed this to amazing results in the 1973 Emerson, Lake & Palmer song "Karn Evil 9."

I was also wondering if anyone knew of a good online resource with tips on how to write aux. stuff? Like, what line do certain things typically go on, etc.?

You would be best assisted at a forum for percussionists. I would ask the specific question there and hope you get a specific response.

 

[believetheunseen]

Thank you for your response! I am planning on testing the hubcap idea tonight (to see if it's the sound I want). The water dripping can be musical or just a sound in the background. The song is based on an old mine that was flooded a while back.
Thanks again for the response!

 

[Tzaousios]

Thank you for your response! I am planning on testing the hubcap idea tonight (to see if it's the sound I want). The water dripping can be musical or just a sound in the background. The song is based on an old mine that was flooded a while back.

Sounds like a cool project!

If you are still looking for ideas, here is a video of a guy demonstrating the violin bow on cymbal technique that Carl Palmer used in "Karn Evil 9." I am sure it could be done on any flat surface, but placing the cymbal on a tympani makes the sound much deeper and eerier!

YouTube - ELP: Carl Palmer Atmospheric Sounds with Cymbals Violin Bow and Timpani Beaters~Steve Barber

 

[clairabelle0509]

Another suggestion for a hammer hitting on metal is to use a brake drum, like something you would get off a car. You can actually use a small pick (like that thing miners use) or a hammer to hit it. It can be quite abrasive and sometimes helps if you dampen it with a towel underneath it and maybe even a towel over it, allowing the hammer to hit the towel.

I've also seen a song that used an anvil, like something used in the blacksmithing industry. I can't remember what piece it was unfortunately.

As for water dropping on metal, hmm...you might be able to use a cowbell or a set of agogo bells depending on what pitch you were wanting. Good luck!

 

[believetheunseen]

Thanks everyone! Sorry, been awol from the music threads as of late, and the song is completed, though I wish I would have seen your ideas earlier, they sound great. I ended up using a Vibratone for a wah-wah eerie type effect among other things. I'm excited that it will be performed next spring!
Thanks again!