User Manual

“Orchestral” Compared to

“Rudimental” Drumming

By Dennis DeLucia

DENNIS DELUCIA 1

Educator Series

PERCUSSION

Dennis DeLucia

This article is designed to separate the study of snare drumming into two categories: “Orchestral” and

“Rudimental”. While many elements are identical (a quarter-note = 1 beat; a half-note rest = 2 beats,

and so on), some significant questions arise.

1. Are the rolls played “open” or “closed”?

2. What sticking should I use?

3. How loud is forte?

4. How much flexibility does the performer have to interpret a phrase?

5. Are there differing philosophies in regard to “Time” and “Technique”?

The chart on the following page will attempt to answer these, and other questions.

Dennis DeLucia is one of the most respected

percussion teachers, arrangers, clinicians and

judges in the United States. He is the first percus-

sionist to have been inducted into both the World

Drum Corps Hall of Fame and the Drum Corps

International Hall of Fame. He appears as an

expert analyst on the telecast of DCI finals on

PBS and serves on the Task Force for WGI

Indoor Percussion.

Dennis is an associate professor of percussion at

Rutgers University and has three books currently

in print. Dennis DeLucia is a Yamaha performing

artist and clinician.

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PERCUSSION Educator Series “Orchestral” Compared to “Rudimental” Drumming By Dennis DeLucia Dennis DeLucia Dennis DeLucia is one of the most respected percussion teachers, arrangers, clinicians and judges in the United States. He is the first percussionist to have been inducted into both the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame and the Drum Corps International Hall of Fame. He appears as an expert analyst on the telecast of DCI finals on PBS and serves on the Task Force for WGI Indoor Percussion.
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Dennis DeLucia Orchestral Rudimental Assume that all rolls are to be played as “buzz” (multiplebounce) rolls unless every thirty-second note is written out. Assume that all rolls are to be played “open” (clean double-taps) unless otherwise noted. Example: Newer literature differentiates an open roll Rolls & Drags assume“buzz” from a buzz roll. Example: “open” Newer literature uses a “Z” instead of the traditional 3 slashes to clearly indicate a buzz roll.
PAGE 3
Dennis DeLucia Flexibility to Interpret Time Yes, within the bounds of quality, taste, musicianship, the conductor and future employment potential! Little, if any, due to “unison” playing. Usually the arranger/ teacher/ director will dictate. Blend and balance, and good musicianship, are always essential elements in any musical venture! “Time” can be defined as the length of space between two pulses.