Wednesday Sermon: Why Are We Doing All This?

It is helpful to consider the question of why practice everyday, and why work so hard on technique and hand speed and dexterity? The answer is pretty simple. When the performance arrives, as a drumset artist you do not want to spend energy or time or concentration on how your hands and feet are going to work together. All those practice hours train your hands what to do.

All that training gives the performer freedom to simply be creative on the drumset and have a more effective communication with the audience. Any time spent thinking about how your hands work during a show is robbing the audience of something potential magical, which is the connection between performer and audience.

Announcing the grooveKSQ 2021 Virtual Percussion Competition

Announcing the grooveKSQ 2021 Virtual Percussion Competition

There are instrument competitions for every type of musical instrument imaginable. These competitions provide a framework for students and performers to hone their skills, and grow as performers. The 2021 grooveKSQ Virtual Percussion Competition is designed to provide that environment for high school aged drum set, rudimental and mallet percussion performers throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland.

Answer Key for Transcription Challenge #2

We're back with another transcription challenge. Again, single surface, 4/4 time signature. This one is 6 measures. Pay attention to the sticking! Send me an...

For those of you playing along at home….here you go! This challenge included 7 stroke rolls and also there were a couple of “odd” groupings of single 5s and single 7s in there to keep you on your toes.

Next time, we break rhythms up around the drum set. First the video, then the score:

This Month's Virtual Vinyl sponsored by Electric Avenue Music!

This month’s edition of Virtual Vinyl is sponsored by Electric Avenue Music in West Chester. Electric Avenue is a supporter of the arts and we are grateful for their support.

CLICK HERE to register for this month’s get together on December 15th (remotely via Zoom of course).

Go visit Jason at Electric Avenue and use the discount code GROOVEKSQ to get 20% off your order! This is a great benefit if you are a vinyl collector (they have many other things there also!).