Rupert Kettle

Rupert Kettle was born in 1940, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, studied and worked in New York City from 1958 to 1968. His percussion instrument teachers from 1950 to 1958 were Walter Walski, Donald Patterson and James Salmon. From 1958 to 1963, in New York, Kettle studied with Henry Adler, Doug Allen (keyboard percussions,) and Alfred Friese (timpani). His composition and/or arranging teachers have included Henri Gibeau, Ted Maters, Teije Ito, John Cage and Richard Cone.

Since 1965, Kettle has devoted himself primarily to being a professional private teacher, first in New York, then in Grand Rapids. He maintains an extensive teaching practice, both privately and, since 1972, in conjunction with Aquinas College. He also directs the Aquinas College Percussion Group (which he founded in 1979) and instructs in percussion teaching methods at that school. Kettle's commitment to education, and his abilities as a teacher were acknowledged by Aquinas College in 2000, when the school bestowed upon him the degree of Doctor of Fine Arts, honoris causa.

Kettle is the author of countless articles on percussion playing which have appeared in Downbeat, Modern Drummer, Percussive Notes, and various other magazines. His book, Drum Set Reading Method (originally published in 1968 as part of Henry Adler Series,) initially established a standardized drum set notation, in a way that has only been built upon since, as has the drum set itself (i.e., gotten larger). As of 2003, his work is also being disseminated by the composers' collective, Frog Peak Music, a prestigious group of experimental composers, including Larry Polansky, Jody Diamond, James Tenney, Phillip Corner, Anthony Braxton, the late Lou Harrison, and many others. Kettle's graphic scores have been exhibited along with concerts of his music at the Race Street Gallery, Aquinas College, the Grand Rapids Art Museum, and various other western Michigan venues, and a month-long, one person show of his scores was presented at the Aquinas College Art Gallery, in 1987.

From Rupert Kettle

Dining Room Music

$15.00

Scored for “four percussionists and tableware,” inspired by John Cage’s ‘Living Room Music’. As the composer explains, “Dining Room Music” uses Cage’s rhythmic structures, but in reverse order….

Scored for “four percussionists and tableware,” inspired by John Cage’s ‘Living Room Music’. As the composer explains, “Dining Room Music” uses Cage’s rhythmic structures, but in reverse order….

Four Solos for Snare Drum

$10.00

Kettle’s ‘Four Solos for Snare Drum’ use various playing areas of the snare drum, as well as an assortment of sticks, brushes and bare hands in order to maximize the timbral possibilities of the snare drum. This is a challenging and musical work, well worth the attention of the serious snare drummer. ‘Four Solos’ was published by Studio 4 Music in 1987.

Kettle’s ‘Four Solos for Snare Drum’ use various playing areas of the snare drum, as well as an assortment of sticks, brushes and bare hands in order to maximize the timbral possibilities of the snare drum. This is a challenging and musical work, well worth the attention of the serious snare drummer. ‘Four Solos’ was published by Studio 4 Music in 1987.

Petite Suite

$8.00

A 1989 publication, ‘Petite Suite’ is a duet for early intermediate snare drummers. But it’s not just a “straight” snare drum piece. In it, Kettle introduces developing players to the use of different areas of the drum, a variety of different strokes and the notation used to indicate these variations. This is not only an excellent pedagogical tool, but also a charming piece!

A 1989 publication, ‘Petite Suite’ is a duet for early intermediate snare drummers. But it’s not just a “straight” snare drum piece. In it, Kettle introduces developing players to the use of different areas of the drum, a variety of different strokes and the notation used to indicate these variations. This is not only an excellent pedagogical tool, but also a charming piece!

Rudimental Rascals

$8.00

Rudimental Rascals, dedicated “to Solo and Ensemble Festival Adjudicators Everywhere,” includes some great musical jokes. The tempo marking is “a shaky 108”; the piece begins with an audible count-off in the wrong rhythm; the players strike themselves and each other; a stick is dropped. But it’s not just fun! The piece is also challenging technically and musically.

Rudimental Rascals, dedicated “to Solo and Ensemble Festival Adjudicators Everywhere,” includes some great musical jokes. The tempo marking is “a shaky 108”; the piece begins with an audible count-off in the wrong rhythm; the players strike themselves and each other; a stick is dropped. But it’s not just fun! The piece is also challenging technically and musically.

Second Petite Suite

$8.00

The Second Petite Suite takes up where the first Suite left off. It introduces one new effect and one new notation indication and is slightly more difficult. As with the first Suite, the movements may be performed individually or as a group.

The Second Petite Suite takes up where the first Suite left off. It introduces one new effect and one new notation indication and is slightly more difficult. As with the first Suite, the movements may be performed individually or as a group.

Three Etudes for Snare Drum

$5.00$6.00

Any or all of the ‘Three Etudes for Snare Drum’ would be an excellent choice for a festival or competition. These are serious, difficult and interesting solos, presenting serious snare drummers with a variety of opportunities to improve their skill and finesse.

Any or all of the ‘Three Etudes for Snare Drum’ would be an excellent choice for a festival or competition. These are serious, difficult and interesting solos, presenting serious snare drummers with a variety of opportunities to improve their skill and finesse.

Traps

$14.00

Rupert Kettle has done it again! The author of many well-known and popular works for percussion has written a piece for two drumset players playing one drumset.

Rupert Kettle has done it again! The author of many well-known and popular works for percussion has written a piece for two drumset players playing one drumset.