SNARE DRUM
- Beginners should start with a snare drum and bell kit.
- Snare release is necessary on a snare drum to prevent the drum from "buzzing" due to sympathetic vibrations when others instruments are played. Also with the snare release, a snare drum can be used as a tom-tom.
- Gut snares for marching bands, wire snares for concert work.
- The size of the snare is determined by the use of the snare, the texture of the music, style, the number of other drums playing. Only one concert snare plays at a time.
- Yes, sticks are very important and do have a pitch! Ones with higher pitch are preferred. There are various sizes of neck and tip.
- There are two types of grips The Traditional Grip and the Matched Grip. The Traditional Grip resulted from the angle of the drum when played by military drummers. The Matched Grip is used more often and is where both hands hold the stick in the same way.
- Rudiments are practiced at all tempos and dynamics. Control is the tone color of the percussionist. Rudiments are balanced with practice on phrasing and reading notation accurately and expressively.
Common Drum storkes:
- The single stroke roll
- The drag
- The flam ("fa-lam")
Care and maintenance:
Leave snares on the drum to avoid shrinking and warping. As a preventative measure to maintain the collar and springiness of the head, tune the drums before putting them away.
Recommended Reading:
"Stick Control" ("Bible" resource), good patterns and exercises.
"Snare Drum for Beginners", Morris Goldenberg, good etudes and duets.