The Story of
Marimba Mix
Marimba Mix began in 2006 with the first edition, written in sunny New Zealand. The second book followed several years later, but with much more digital content as Leah noticed that every classroom had a different array of instruments available and teaching could be more enjoyable (& quicker) if supported with backing and guide tracks at different speeds. The second edition of the first book then followed incorporating all of the new digital content.
Leah is a huge advocate of music theory, so also wanted to make it easy for teachers to introduce the notated parts if this was appropriate, by including them all in the resources.
Non-melodic percussion parts were not notated, so students can improvise a groove that they feel suits the piece, or a teacher can give them a part suited to their level. This means that the scores are more condensed to just Melody + Harmony + Bass parts, which are easier to read and can be taught in 1-2 lessons.
Video demos have been added most recently, to further enhance the teaching experience.
Leah received her M.Mus from Auckland University and is active as an educator, conductor and performer.
She has presented marimba workshops around New Zealand on her resources which are now available worldwide.
She is passionate about writing easy-to-teach, catchy, orff ensemble pieces and loves listening to her works played by students all around the world!