Paul Hansen's setup for The Hunchback of Notre Dame at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, Washington.
Read Paul's write-up about the show, below the photos.
Above: "The bandana gives the sound extra weight and adds a couple hundred years to the sound of the drum."
Above: DW 9000 pedal is used for the Cymbal Guy.
Above: Tam Tam with Paul's patented "Throw ‘N’ Go" mallet.
"Hunchback, as most of you will know, was originally orchestrated for a large percussion layout which included pads and pedal triggers to cover many traditional acoustic instruments, including chimes, piatti, tam tam, and some timpani, as well as some smaller decorative sounds.
Well, me being me, If I can retrieve acoustic sounds from the electronic world I will.
The resulting octopus layout you see here is all acoustic, including a remoted 'Cymbal Guy' to cover all the required Piatti hits. A large dumbek mounted under the hi-hat covered all the gypsy hand drumming, and that’s a 28” Chinese Crash which provided the extra sinister tone to 'Flight Into Egypt'. Three Miller Machines cover Finger Cymbal and Triangles, and two mounted tambourines for the various Gypsy dances. The Tam Tam has the mounted 'throw ‘n’ go' mallet mount. Of course, live chimes and glockenspiel. Our production cut the Mahler Box moments, so I could leave the Gran Cassa at home.
The red bandana you see is covering my custom field drum, a converted 16” floor tom with heavy snares. The bandana gives the sound extra weight and adds a couple hundred years to the sound of the drum. This show will also keep your timpani pedaling chops in good form – your feet will be very busy, and make sure your low D is very solid. You'll be spending a lot of time there."
Paul Hansen has been active as one of the top percussionists in Seattle's music and theater circles for 40 years, with over 150 musicals to his credit, including the World Premiere engagements of Hairspray, Shrek, Young Frankenstein, Catch Me If You Can, and A Christmas Story.
As a concert musician he performs regularly with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, the Pacific Northwest Ballet, and Auburn Symphony, and is a proud member of the Harry Partch Ensemble, based in Seattle.
Paul also serves as Managing Editor for Sheet Music Now, and is co-founder of the Pacific Rims Percussion Quartet.
Paul is also an Innovative Percussion Artist.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame - Regional - Paul Hansen
June 2018
