Which timpanist stroke is direct, light, sustained?

• A. glide
• B. press
• C. flick
• D. dab

Answer: (A)

This item focuses on stroke quality on the timpani and how it affects attack and sustain. A glide is a smooth, controlled strike that uses just enough weight and a relaxed wrist to produce a clean, direct attack while letting the note ring with a long, even sustain. The movement stays steady rather than snapping or bouncing, so the sound isn’t heavy or abrupt. That combination—direct projection, light contact, and lasting tone—fits the description of a direct, light, sustained timpanist stroke. A heavier press would give a stronger, quicker attack; a flick would yield a brief, bright note with short sustain; a dab would be light but also quick and muted.