Frank Epstein Percussion

Castanets
Cymbalisms
Cymbelt

Percussion by Frank Epstein

Frank Epstein has been a percussionist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra since 1968. He is a member of the Tanglewood Music Center Faculty and is Chairman of the Brass and Percussion departments at the New England Conservatory of Music. He is a founding member of Collage New Music Ensemble, and served as it's music director for the ensemble's first 25 years. Published by Hal Leonard, his new book entitled "Cymbalisms" – A Complete Guide for the Orchestral Cymbal Player is now available from this website.

Frank Epstein has made available to percussionists around the world, the finest handle mounted castanets for orchestral use. In addition, his orchestral castanet playing machine is now also available. To complete the product line, a strong, sturdy and distinctive castanet carrying case is now available. His Cymbelt and Caddy, a highly prized bass drum and cymbal mounting system is used by many of his colleagues in orchestras and school music ensembles alike. "Cymbalisms" – A Complete Guide for the Orchestral Cymbal Player offers keen insights into cymbal playing. His arrangement of the percussion part to Stravinsky's : "L'Histoire Du Soldat" is a must have. It is the only version of the part which allows the player to read the notes from bottom to top, while still playing the pitches as originally written.

Well-known as an experimenter in drumming and percussion equipment, Frank Epstein has created and introduced many innovations, including the Symphonic Castanet. Now you can purchase the results of his efforts, taking advantage of his knowledge and experience. For added convenience and for pricing information, print out the order form.

Master Classes
Frank Epstein is a frequent clinician, having presented cymbal master classes throughout the country and around the world, including Europe and Canada. His master classes focus on developing a well functioning cymbal technique and its application in the standard orchestral cymbal repertoire.
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Interview
The BSO percussion section has featured some wonderful musicians over the years, players that have developed techniques that have been adopted world-wide, due in no small part to the innate musical focus of their work. Among them is Frank Epstein who studied with Everett Firth of the BSO as well as Robert Sonner, and William Kraft before joining the BSO in 1968. To mark his 40 seasons with the BSO, Brian Bell, producer of the Boston Symphony concert broadcasts on WGBH, put together this salute to the BSO percussionist, and his many fascinating activities -- including several commissions from Bradford and Dorothea Endicott, and a work for percussion by his daughter Nomi Epstein.
Listen to the full interview with Frank Epstein by clicking here.

Visitors
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