Castanets That Speak: Orchestral Techniques for Percussionists
- Nathan Coles
- May 7
- 4 min read
Interpreting Dynamic Contrast and Style with Castanets in the Orchestra.
Castanets may be small, but in the right hands, they can add color, character, and complexity to some of the most exciting moments in orchestral music. In this lesson, Dr. John W. Parks IV from Florida State University breaks down how to make musical decisions that go beyond simple execution—focusing instead on expression, dynamics, and style.
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Meet Your Instructor: Dr. John W. Parks IV
Black Swamp Educator, Dr. John W. Parks IV, is a professor of percussion at Florida State University and a sought-after performer and clinician. Known for his clear instruction and musical insight, Dr. Parks brings a wealth of orchestral experience to the table, especially when it comes to translating tricky repertoire into thoughtful and effective performance choices. His approach balances technical clarity with expressive intent—a crucial mindset for students learning to interpret music beyond the page.
Understanding the Role of Castanets in Orchestral Music
Castanets often show up in works that require brilliance, sparkle, or a touch of exotic flair. But these small instruments carry big interpretive responsibility. Castanets don’t just keep time or mark climaxes—they color a passage. In pieces by composers like Prokofiev or Rimsky-Korsakov, castanets can become the rhythmic heart of a phrase or the delicate highlight of a transition. The way you approach them can make a major musical difference.
Technique Foundations: Sound Production and Hand Position
Before tackling musical decisions, start with a dependable setup. Dr. Parks recommends a straightforward approach: playing castanets on the leg. This technique uses your body’s natural firmness to create a solid, resonant tone.
“I play on my leg—super solid musculature makes my castanets sound great.”
He also emphasizes simultaneous hand movement, meaning both castanets hit at the same time. This creates a thicker, more traditional sound. Compare the two:
Technique | Result |
Alternating hands | Lighter, drier articulation |
Simultaneous hands | Fuller, more cohesive sound |
If you’ve never tried both, test them out on the same phrase and see which sound best suits the character of the music.
Dynamics with Intention: Executing Extreme Contrasts
Castanet dynamics can be deceptively tricky. The instrument itself is naturally sharp and piercing, so playing softly while retaining clarity takes real finesse.
Dr. Parks offers a simple and effective solution:
For loud dynamics, keep your fingers off the castanets for maximum resonance.
For soft playing, rest your index fingers on top of the paddles. This dampens the sound slightly, giving more control and intimacy.
“When I want to play soft… I hold up close to the paddles and then put my index finger on top of them.”
This makes extreme contrast possible—without changing instruments, setups, or sacrificing musicality.
Grace Notes and Stylization: Musical vs. Literal Interpretation
When preparing castanet excerpts, especially those from Prokofiev or Rimsky-Korsakov, there’s often a tension between playing what’s printed and playing what’s heard.
In Dr. Parks’ experience, conductors frequently ask for ornamentation—specifically, grace notes—that echo the piano version of the Prokofiev excerpt.
“Almost every time I played this, the music directors asked me to follow the ornamentation of the piano.”
He adds them subtly in the A and B sections, creating rhythmic complexity that reflects the spirit of the piece rather than the literal ink. His advice? Don’t add them in an audition setting, but once you’re in the orchestra, trust your musical judgment.
Student Action Plan: From Practice to Performance
1. Start with the Basics
Try both leg playing and air playing to compare tone.
Practice with and without finger dampening for dynamic awareness.
2. Isolate the Grace
Record yourself playing Prokofiev’s castanet excerpt both with and without ornamentation.
Compare rhythmic clarity and expressive character.
3. Analyze Your Score
Where do you see dynamic shifts? Phrase boundaries?
Think of the castanets as a voice—how would you sing the phrase?
4. Play for a Peer
Get feedback on your tone and musical phrasing.
Ask: Does it sound like one musical idea? Or a bunch of hits?
5. Make a Decision Log
For each excerpt, write a short sentence explaining your approach:
“I play grace notes here because they reflect the piano’s flourish.” “I mute the tone here because the flute entrance needs space.”
Bonus Gear: The Tools Behind the Tone
Dr. Parks uses Black Swamp castanets, known for their handcrafted quality and responsive feel. Here’s why his gear matters:
Grenadillo Pro Concert Castanets have been in staple in the Black Swamp catalog and have a crisp and warm tone that projects well and blends into any size ensemble.
The gear won’t make musical decisions for you—but it does give you the flexibility to explore your voice with precision.
Final Reflections
As Dr. Parks reminds us, there are lots of ways to skin the proverbial cat. Don’t play castanets the way someone else tells you to—play them the way that best serves the music. Start by learning the technique, but don’t stop there. Experiment. Listen. Ask why.
Every time you pick up a pair of castanets, you’re not just executing notes—you’re painting a sound world. So what kind of world will you create?
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