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I never heard of a person who actually plays cymbals as an independent instrument until I joined. D:

Anyways- how do you guys practice? I find it hard to remember my parts by clapping, and I assume that not everyone has their own pair at home. Do you guys rent out cymbals from the school? (My school only has 3 pairs of cymbals... I don't think my teacher's willing to let me bring home mine to practice) How do you guys improve your technique? I can play music fine but my technique is very messy and I don't have much opportunity to improve in class and clapping does not give the right simulation of big heavy cymbals and when we have to perform it sounds like I'm butchering it. xD

And a more general question to all musicians with loud instruments: for those who live in condo's, apt's, and townhouses: how do you play without annoying your neighbors and everyone in your house? Do you guys tell them to bite the bullet? Doing it on piano is easy, and you can simply unplug your guitar or play gently... but like drums and trumpets, do you guys have specific times you're allowed to play, go somewhere else... etc etc?

Ah yes. The cymbals. I'm probably the only one in the whole band who actually plays the cymbals during our parade. I also have trouble practicing, though. And, like Atekius said, I would also suggest just holding them out for as long as you can. I got my workout during band camp, so I decided to get used to the weight then so it wouldn't bother me now. Just practice at lunch, after school, and it wouldn't hurt to pull them out and practice while everyone else is warming up independently.

We only have two pairs of cymbals: a very old marching pair that needs cleaning and repair very badly (one of them has a huge crack and has a big chip in the side) and the concert pair that we just got last semester, which are a little lighter and smaller, but still heavy.

it hurts ur arms. but then again- you'll have muscle at the end of drumline season!! haha!

CLAPPING WORKS!

Ah man dude, I love playin the cymbals. I'm the only one in our band of 35. Have you ever watched "Drumline"? Lol, thats how I play my pair. I get into it, I don't mean to brag, but when it comes to half time, I own. The only time I practice, is during band sessions. Other than that, I just think on what I can do.

Yeah, if you're havin trouble with your strength, I agree with the holding your arms out idea, or work on your benchpress strength.
If your havin trouble playin the music, try workin out an after/before school practice session with your director.
Memorizing the music, thats a tough one. Just really focus on when your playin, listen to the band, see if your director can give you a signal to help you remember to play. : /

I play the cymbals for marching band, pep band, but not for Jazz band. The techneque I learned is to hold the cymbals, but not straight up and down but slanted, or almost horizontal. And keep them close together, just so they won't get out of control. I never practice, but I practice sometime before games, and during class at the beginning of the year, to learn parts, and stuff. But yeah, just benchpress and work up some good muscles. I don't read off music my band director gives me, I memorize what he tells me to.

well when ur using the acutal cymbals it anoys the crap out of people so use books or pillows it works