Music Blog | Op Ed | Percussion Education | Performance

2017 DCI Quarterfinals – Some Basic Thoughts

by

Okay, well, since I probably won’t see DCI semis or finals, here’s my impression of prelims: Unfortunately, many of this year’s shows were rather boring. Compounded by the overuse of electronics and narration, many of the shows don’t differ in overall tone, which makes everything worse. The best shows emphasized brass and percussion music and visual design, using electronics and narration as *supplements*, not focal points. An arguable exception would be Carolina Crown’s show, where the … Read More

Music Blog | Performance | Students | Teaching & Instruction

Drum Corps Is Passion AND Competition

by

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

Percussion Education | Performance | Students | Teaching & Instruction | Technique

Drumming Basics – Where Are They?

by

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

Percussion Education | Performance | Students

Don’t be so clever

by

I had gotten together with some friends the other night to do a short rehearsal for an upcoming gig. I was playing drum set for several songs, one being a song I already knew but had previously played bass on instead. Intellectually, I knew how to play the song on drum set, but I had yet to acquire the feel my friend – the song’s writer and bandleader – wanted for the end of the song. … Read More

Drum Set | Percussion Education | Performance | Teaching & Instruction | Technique

The case for double bass

by

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

Percussion Education | Performance | Practice | Teaching & Instruction | Technique

Technique First, Chops Second

by

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

Percussion Education | Performance

The Final Say

by

“With great power there must also come great responsibility.” -Ben Parker, from the pages of Amazing Fantasy 15 That’s right. I made a Spider-Man reference. Because it’s pertinent. You, the drummer, are the final say when you perform with an ensemble. You are the final, deciding factor in how a piece feels, how comes across stylistically, how the tempo moves forward. That is great power you wield, power to either be abused or to use wisely. … Read More

Top