Introduction to Jazz and Big Band Drumming
by Sherrie Maricle

From stylistic interpretation, soloing and playing in time to reading and independence, Sherrie Maricle covers all the bases for the young jazz drummer. Sherrie not only makes recommendations on her favorite method books in each topic, but she also provides great practical applications as well.

In addition to leading the popular DIVA jazz orchestra, Dr. Sherrie Maricle is also a percussionist with the New York Pops Orchestra and leads the jazz quintet, FIVE PLAY. Sherrie is the Director of Percussion Studies at New York University, the Education Coordinator for the NY Pops' Salute to Music education program, and a past President of New York State's International Association of Jazz Educators.

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Drum Tuning - The Ultimate Guide - Scott Schroedl

64 pages. Includes CD with tuning demos.

New from Hal Leonard and Scott Schroedl (Vic Firth Education Team Member), Drum Tuning - The Ultimate Guide provides step by step instructions on tuning drums.

"The book has been designed as an easy step-by-step guide for the beginner, but can also be used by professionals who want to get the most out of their drums," says Scott. He adds, "Not only will you learn how to tune your drums, you'll also learn how to prepare and change heads systematically."

The book covers a variety of topics from preparation of lugs and head properties to tuning aid devices. Each subject is covered in detail and there are many pictures throughout, which help to demonstrate the points nicely. The CD is referenced through the course of the book, citing examples of different tunings and heads.

For more information on Scott, check out www.scottschroedl.com.

Published by Hal Leonard Corporation - www.halleonard.com

Published by Alfred Publishing Co., Inc - www.alfred.com

Drum Backbeats Encyclopedia - John Thomakos

95 pages. Includes CD with playing examples.

This book, authored by Vic Firth Education Team member John Thomakos, is an excellent resource for development of backbeat based themes on the drumset.

According to John, "Because the backbeat crosses so many stylistic boundries, it is important that every player realizes the full potential of backbeat grooves and practices them thoroughly - along with their practical and essential variations and embellishments."

The focus of the book is 22 snare and bass drum backbeat variations that are imposed over 28 hi-hat ostinatos. The rhythmic variations in the hi-hat patterns move through quarter, eight, sixteenth, and syncopated "check pattern" type rhythms, as well as accented and non-accented variations.

The book also explores the same 22 patterns with variations of open and closed hi-hat. A small portion of the book is devoted to development of hi-hat foot technique (splashed), ghost notes and new groove development. The layout and progression is clear, logical and thoughtful.

The Corpsmaster® Lee Beddis Signature Marching Snare Stick features a medium tear drop tip and short taper for clarity and projection. "The bead shape coupled with the neck taper really helps create a 'beefy' sound," explains Lee, Percussion Caption Head and Arranger for The Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps. "There is great comfort when you play with these sticks. The balance is superior, and you can really 'get on top' of the tear drop tip for a great buzz quality."

Lee has also instructed the Madison Scouts, Star of Indiana and the Phantom Regiment, and was the Caption Head and Arranger for the Glassmen before joining the Crossmen in 2001. His stick is in hickory, with a black finish. L = 17" Dia. = .700" Part # = SLB

The M86 and M87 are the result of improvements to two already successful models in Mason's series, the M80 and M83. According to Brian, "With these two new models, we have a full series of mallets that produces the most/best flexibility to 'cross over' for use on other keyboard instruments."

Both mallets feature large birch shafts which increase the mass of the entire mallet, and premium wrapping materials that really hold up outdoors. The complete Corpsmaster® Signature Keyboard Mallet series has been a huge success since being introduced in 2001. These mallets have been the choice of some of the finest marching bands, percussion ensembles and drum corps in the world including the 2001 & 2002 DCI Division 1 High Percussion Champion Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps. Other top 12 DCI Corps include the Blue Devils, Phantom Regiment, Boston Crusaders, Crossmen and Magic of Orlando.

In our last newsletter, we asked "What beginner keyboard book do you use and why?" Here are a few of your responses:

I like to use two books - George Hamilton Green's Instruction Course for Xylophone, and Morris Goldenberg's Modern School for Xylophone, Marimba, and Vibraphone. Both of these books produce students that can read rhythms and notes proficiently, and using both provides two different concepts of progressively complex studies. Both are old standards and are for my students as well.
  - Bill Thompson

I've been using Garwood Whaley's Primary Handbook for Mallets and Mark Wessels' Fresh Approach to Mallet Percussion. The Whaley book has a good system for each key-exercises and translating that to music and theory. The Wessels book is an unconventional approach to get your eyes on the music early.
  - Chris DeChiara

This issue's poll question:

How do you introduce jazz to drumset students who are interested only in playing pop and rock music?

Each month, we survey different techniques, methods and strategies that our educators use with their students in the effort to share information with each other.

Please take a brief moment to share YOUR thoughts with us!

I'm a big fan of LARGE PRINT and play along CD's when teaching mallet parts to kids. I use a book by Mark Wessels called A Fresh Approach to Mallet Percussion for its supersized notation, and a book by Garwood Whaley called Primary Handbook for Mallets for its prerecorded exercises & etudes.
  - Tom Nichols

Our studio uses, among others, George Hamilton Green's New Elementary Studies, distributed by Hal Leonard. This charming book has a no nonsense approach that I like, with delightfully original melodies from arguably the most talented xylophone virtuoso of the past 100 years. The pages are set up with two or three exercises, and then a few melodies that incorporate the new technique or key. Sticking patterns are very good. Rolls are presented in the first few pages. Double stops are introduced about half way into the book. We have used the book for Jr. High aged students and older. This is also a good method for piano playing students who want to learn mallet technique in a hurry.
  - Cary Nasatir

I use Garwood Whaley's Fundamental Studies for Mallets. Working within key signatures seems to work very well with young students.
  - Jay Ronk