Now that DCI is over, I’ve seen the inevitable posts about how the scores should have been different, and I’ve seen the inevitable responses about how people should let the scores go and focus on the drive, passion, and dedication these young adults put in all summer to put on a great show. This is ridiculous. When I marched, I did it because I loved music and wanted to learn how to play drums. And once … Read More
It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything percussion related. It’s not for lack of passion or interest – my focus has been elsewhere of late and I started an indefinite sabbatical from teaching a couple years ago for a few different reasons. But my knowledge, my skills, my desire to learn, and my need to take in and relay information are all still there. Last night (6-21-2015) was the Moonlight Classic drum corps show in … Read More
Being the over-analytical person I am, I love talking about technique. I love offering my knowledge and love learning more about the teeny-tiny technical details of being a percussionist, of being a musician. During such a conversation with a couple friends, one of them asked why I felt the need to talk in such detail about technique. He postulated (and I paraphrase): does having these conversations really matter when, ultimately, we just need to concentrate on … Read More
Competition is good. Competition drives. Competition sets and raises standards. Competition is not for everyone. I know a band director who does not want to teach winning or losing to his students (whether he sticks to that or how well he does with that remains to be seen). He would rather teach excellence, which, in and of itself, is noble. Excellence is something to strive for no matter what one does, whether it’s drumming, golfing, cooking, … Read More
A few weeks ago, I received an email from a friend I used to march with in the Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps: I wanted to ask you to think about it another way — instead of black and white index and middle finger, what about a shared fulcrum? I have students in San Jose who have had a lot of Santa Clara Vanguard-based instruction on technique (one of my kids even marched in the A … Read More
I like Murray Gusseck. I don’t know the guy personally, only his work and reputation. I think he’s brought some interesting concepts to the world of drumline and I like some of the pieces he’s written for battery. I may not always agree with what he teaches, but I respect him and what he’s doing. So make no mistake: what I’m about to write is in no way intended to insult him or make him look … Read More
I don’t get to play drum set much these days, though I really want to. That’s the problem with living in a condo: can’t be loud (tell that to some of my neighbors, though). But when I do, I try to take advantage of the situation by playing the drum set-related things I don’t always get to play. I have a double bass pedal. I became interested in double bass because of drummers like Tim Alexander … Read More
The use of the fulcrum has, to my knowledge, been a greatly examined topic and subject to much experimentation, especially in regards to match grip mechanics (which is what this post deals with). I’ve observed more attention being brought to it in the past decade or so, maybe because of my particular environment and who I know. Or perhaps it’s been the introduction of different techniques in the drumline arena, or maybe it’s just the natural … Read More
I’ve been teaching quite a few younger students lately. Anyone with experience teaching younger drum students has run into the problem of mashing the sticks into the pad or drum. It’s a natural problem for young students; it’s natural for someone to pick up drum sticks for the first time and then bang and mash the sticks into the surface because, for all they know, drumming is just about hitting stuff. Even older, more experienced drummers … Read More
As Obi Wan Kenobi told Luke in Return of the Jedi, “You’re going to find that many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view.” An educated drummer will probably know what is meant when a drum teacher says, “Let the bounce do the work,” or, “Let the rebound do the work.” I know I do. However, as much as I hate to say “never”, I’m pretty sure that I … Read More
I’ve been away for a bit. I’m sorry. I hope that doesn’t mean you won’t do me a favor. Not a huge favor, just a small one, okay? Play four counts of 16th notes with an accent on each downbeat, starting on the right hand. Done? Cool. Now, play the exact same thing but use a paradiddle sticking. Start on the same hand. Finished? Thanks. I owe ya. Now answer this: did the two patterns feel … Read More
I’ve tried writing something about this topic 4 or 5 times by now. It’s a tricky subject and one I think about a lot. After all, the goal is to pass on knowledge and wisdom to the students, right? As an added bonus, teaching helps one to understand and perform his or her craft better. I’m constantly analyzing my craft(s) and the ways I can convey concepts to my students. I want them to understand what … Read More
I’m pretty sure it was my age-out year of drum corps. I was walking across the gym at our housing site with my instructor/mentor/friend/boss, talking about… drums, probably… and we passed by one of my fellow snare players ramming beats on his pad. We asked him what he was doing and he said he was working on his chops. In response I said, for the first time, “Remember: technique first, chops second.” Technique, technique, technique. It’s … Read More
For years now, I have wanted to write a book on drumming. I have, in fact, started one and it has been in the process of being written for, oh… I have no idea how long. At least since 2002. The problem is, I continued to learn new things since I started jotting down notes that it’s hard for me to say, “Yup, this should be included in the book.” And every time I revisit the … Read More
