Month: March 2018

How to Play Marching Tenor Drums, Part 5 of 7: Sweeps & Scrapes

James Christian

It’s time to work on sweeps and scrapes! Check out the newest video:

 

Sweeps, scrapes, split doubles–whatever you prefer to call them, this video breaks them down in detail.  You’ll find a lot here. Learn the differences between adjacent sweeps, non-adjacent sweeps, spock sweeps, outward sweeps, inward sweeps, and push-pull sweeps.  A full transcript of the video is below, along with links to the solos mentioned.

I would really, really like to hear your feedback on this particular video.  I think the terminology descriptions have the potential to revolutionize the Read more “How to Play Marching Tenor Drums, Part 5 of 7: Sweeps & Scrapes”

How to Play Marching Tenor Drums, Part 4 of 7: Crossovers

James Christian

It’s crossover week! Check out the newest video:

This 7-part series becomes more interesting as crossovers–a true staple of tenor drumming–are explored in a variety of ways. This video covers 13 crossover patterns, including a long “Crossover Builders” exercise that goes through all 18 crossover positions.

The “Crossover Builders” exercise and a transcript of the video are included below.  Just a reminder:  If you don’t already have Read more “How to Play Marching Tenor Drums, Part 4 of 7: Crossovers”

How to Play Marching Tenor Drums, Part 3 of 7: Building Fast Singles

James Christian

Today we focus on building fast singles!  In part 1, we covered playing zones and basic movement.  In part 2, we covered basic around patterns.  Now, we build upon this foundation and start Read more “How to Play Marching Tenor Drums, Part 3 of 7: Building Fast Singles”

How to Play Marching Tenor Drums, Part 2 of 7: Around Patterns

James Christian2 Comments

In part 1, we started with general movement principles, and we now come to basic around patterns with standard drum rudiments. This is the material I usually show first-time players on day one (exercises included below).

If you have been playing tenors for any length of time, these patterns should Read more “How to Play Marching Tenor Drums, Part 2 of 7: Around Patterns”