EXERCISE #3: “DOUBLE / TRIPLE BEAT”
This exercise works on developing quality double and triple strokes. Here are a few things to look for during your daily rehearsal:
• The wrist directs each stroke with a relaxed rebound motion. Think of “8-8-16”, but with only 2 or 3 strokes. Listen for evenness of the rhythm and volume of each stroke.
• A wrist that is too tight will result in a choppy sounding double stroke. A “bounced” double stroke will result in the first stroke being louder than the second.
• At the slowest speeds (Bronze-Silver), you will have a slight arm motion to initiate the beginning of the double or triple stroke. Utilize a full, relaxed wrist turn for each of the repeated notes. As you speed up, involve the back fingers to strengthen the rebound of the stick off the head.
• Also practice with your hands on your leg or with sticks on a pillow or other surface with more limited rebound (a floor tom, for example). Each type of surface will require more or less wrist and finger motion to create a strong double or triple stroke.
• Cymbals: This exercise incorporates the movement to each position with a hard prep and a cymbal flip. Work to perform each movement exactly in time with the feet and freeze each position in place.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE MARCHING PERCUSSION 101 EXERCISE PACKET
Including Full Battery Percussion Score and Part Booklet
PLAY-ALONG VIDEO 1
Battery Only (No Tracks)
PLAY-ALONG AUDIO: BATTERY ONLY
PLAY-ALONG VIDEO 2
WITH PLAY-ALONG TRACKS
PLAY-ALONG AUDIO: WITH TRACKS
Alternate Exercise for Tenors and Bass Drums
PERFORMANCE WITHOUT LIMITATION…BY DESIGN
For nearly 60 years, we at the Vic Firth Company have focused on developing and manufacturing what has become the world’s most popular drumsticks, mallets, alternative implements, and accessories… with the best durability, feel, and sound options, across the widest variety of genres and styles.
