By David A. Parker
NY DEDICATED PERCUSSIONIST WHO Example 6: Stick Contra/, Page 13, Nos. 1 and 5
practices on a daily basis can
begin each practice session
with a warm-up. The warm-
up must be given the same amount of con-
c&,ration and organizaticm that is applied
to the’rest of the practice session in order
to be effective, The following warm-up ii
my suggested plan for snare drum using
examples from George Lawrence Stone’s
booki Stick ControZ and Accents und Rebound&, and Mitchell
Peters’ Developing Dexterity.
Step One-Loosen-up: The muscles need to be loosened-
up before attempting anything. Thus, simple exercises are
used and ,speed is not a factor, (See Examples 1 and 2).
Exampla 1: Defier& Paga 2, Nos. 1 and 2
Example 2: Sick Contra/, Page 5, Nos. 1 and 2
,
Step lluo-Work on Fundamentals: Now that the muscles
are properly prepared, the next step is to work on fundamen-
tals. (See Examples 3-9).
Example 3: Dexter& Page 26, Nos. I and 2
TRIPLETS
Example 4: Accents and Rebounds, Page 5, No. 14
ACCENTS
Exemple 5: Bxterik Page 28, Nos. 1 and 2
PARADIDDLES
.
ROLLS t
Example 7: Stick Control, Page 18, No. 49
FLAMS
Note: F = Right Hand Flam-(LR)
F = Left Hand Flam-(RL)
Example 8: Accenrs and Re&ohds, Page 21, Nos. 2 and 3
RUFfk
Example 9: Accents and Rebounds, Page 4g, No.1
MIXED RHYTHMS
Practice each fundamental at a slow, comfortable speed
using a metronome. Increase the speed as soon as accuracy
and clarity have been achieved at the former speed.
Step Three-Work on the Remaining Ruo5ments: Rudi-
ments are rhythmical patterns that appear in snare drum
repertoire, and should be mastered as soon as possible. Practice
each rudiment slow (open) to fast (closed) to slow, maintaining accu-
racy and clarity. The increase and decrease in speed should be
gradual. Never play a rudiment at a speed where accuracy and
clarity are lost, (For a complete listing of the 40 international drum
rudiments, consult Percussive Arts Society~ Oflic~l Internutiqzal ,
Drum Rudiments compiled by Jay Wanamaker and Rob Carson. A
cassette recording is also available).
Step Four-Record YourseZf : This final step is important,
for it is one way to listen to your playing in an objectiveman-
ner. Recording may be done during any part of the warm-up.
Inserting a regular warm-up session to every practice
will help to focus your playing time. The warm-up will help
you to perfect fundamentals, strengthen muscular perfor-
mance and develop endurance.
Remember! Be consistent and follow a plan. A disciplined rou-
tine will produce maximum resulta-stick to it.
f/%cuss/v~~orl% OCTO6ER 1992
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