Dear Janet,
I am a percussion student and I have been out on a break now for months due to tendon inflammation in both arms. I read your book and I really enjoyed reading it. On page 168 there is a picture of modified timpani sticks, and I was wondering if you could tell me what is surrounding the bottom of the timpani sticks. I understand that they are modified, but I can not tell how they are modified. I would greatly appreciate it if you could tell me.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Amy
A1:
Hi Amy
I am sorry for your problems and do hope you have a good performing arts medicine doctor or at least someone experienced with repetitive strain injuries. These sticks firstly are longer so a smaller individual doesn't have to reach or stretch into awkward postures to reach the instrument. They were custom made. I have emailed the person who did the wrap on the sticks and hope to have the particulars soon. There also are polymer drumsticks available which transfer less vibration up ones arm. Iin the meantime I hope you are taking time off. Then wrap the sticks with anything. Coban is a good bet as it sticks to itself- available in most health care supply places, or even ace bandages. The thicker the surface the less one tends to grab. Try to reduce all gripping especially squeezing with your thumb when you hold your sticks as this will cause the muscle on the top if your forearm to rebel and get tight. Squeezing with the thumb also prevents playing with a loose wrist. Reduce repetition. Take lots of breaks and also reduce time spent at the computer. These can exacerbate the condition. Do everything to play with ease and weight rather than force. If you have my book look up Drummer's injuries by Darrin Workman. I'll get back to you soon.
Janet
A2:
(From Peter Kogan principal timpani of the MN Orch)
Amy, These are spongy latex rubber hoses cut to size and with appropriate diameter are slid onto the timpani stick handle. (you have to buy 50 foot lengths and cut them). I know of snare drum players using them as well. Also experiments with sticks are going on. It was found that there is too much vibration up the arm from aluminum sticks whereas bamboo sticks are lighter and have less vibration. These so far have not been universally adopted because of the difference in "feel" of these sticks.
