SNARE DRUM SOLOS

This challenging Etude provides a unique approach to practicing the standard classical snare drum repertoire. More than thirty works are referenced in the Etude, and there are often multiple quotations of the same work. In fact, only one note in the entire Etude cannot be attributed to previously composed orchestral literature. This Etude is much more than a “stringing together” of excerpts. Through juxtaposition and metric modulations, the Etude demonstrates that seemingly dissimilar motives are in fact related. In addition to providing an endurance challenge, the Etude is stimulating rhythmically and musically. The pulse remains the same for large sections of the Etude, although the subdivisions are ever changing; forcing the performer to develop a solid internal pulse. Sudden dynamic changes present additional technical challenges, while perhaps the most difficult aspect of the Etude is the challenge to preserve the character of each excerpt. A unique piece for study, contest or the recital hall. adv. high school/college.
[Recorded on Tympanum Ubïquitäs - HRCD005]

Three movement suite for the advanced performer: I. Shine like the Light of Dawn, II. Prosper like a Tree by Streams of Water, III. Soar Like an Eagle. The first movement starts with rolled figures and involves interplay between "head" and "rim" sounds. The second movement utilizes rhythmic interplay between drum head, shell, and the rim and uses sticks, fingers, the palm of the hand and the fist to strike the drum. The third movement is the most rhythmically involved with a variety of challenging rhythmic sub-divisions that rarely place emphasis on metric downbeats. adv. high school/college.

2nd place winner PAS ITALY Composition Contest 2015.

In this challenging solo, several different contrasts in timbre are achieved by using the normal playing area as well as the rim area, the addition of "rim shots" and "stick shots" for aural punctuation, and the pitch bends, via changing the pressures on the drum head (Glissando), all contributing to make this an very interesting piece for study and performance.

In addition, the use of a wide range of dynamic levels in conjunction with numerous metric changes, and varied tempi, help set-up distinct "sectional" contrasts as well. 

The inclusion of a Cadenza section, with it's various suggestions for dynamics, rhythms and the varied use of buzz strokes and glissando - could really be "opened up" by a creative performer.

Overall this is a challenging solo for the player - yet is varied and interesting enough to hold a listener's attention as well - with the aural contrasts (sections) easily discernible.  This would make a great recital work for intermediate to advanced level performers.(ca. 8' 46")

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A challenging solo - written in a contemporary drum corps rudimental style that encompasses both the old and the new! Players can add “visuals” and the piece includes a traditional style drum cadence sequence in the last half of the piece. Particularly suitable for contest performances.
high school/college.

Inspired by the various rhythms of Holst's orchestral work: The Planets, this is a challenging solo that makes use of a variety of rim shot techniques and brief episodes of rhythmic counterpoint.
adv. high school/college.

Inspired by Biblical imagery found in the book of Revelation - this is a challenging snare solo that  primarily utilizes advanced rudimental patterns and configurations - from beginning to end!
adv. high school/college.

Monster Baby is an energetic solo that requires several unique snare drum techniques commonly used in modern snare drum performance.  Based on the famed Crazy Army rudimental solo written by Ed Lemley in 1934, Monster Baby is a modern rudimental adaptation of this traditional snare drum solo.  It includes a concert-style variation as well as a variation that explores rhythmic grooves.
adv. high school/college

Unique collection of five challenging solos - one from each of the members of NEXUS, in a variety of styles.
Well-suited for contest
or recital.
high school/college.

Titles:
Afro-Ditty/Cahn, Cinq/Wyre, Clean it up - - - please/Engelman,
New--thaan/Becker and Raghavan/Hartenberger. 

A challenging snare drum solo to showcase an experienced performer!  Percussion Trio instrumentation: I. Vibraphone, Woodblock and Cabasa  -  II. Marimba (5 octaves), and Woodblock  -  III. B.D., Tamb., Low Woodblock, Orch. Bells or Crotales.  college/professional.  [Recorded on Tympanum Ubïquitäs - HRCD005]

1st place winner KPCC 2006.  Snare drum solo, in three movements, which makes use of a variety of challenging performance techniques. adv. high school/college. [Recorded on Tympanum Ubïquitäs - HRCD005]

A comprehensive method for snare drum with abundant beginning-intermediate level studies. Contents include basic music terminology, discussions of legato, syncopation, musical expressions, compound metric organization - as well as many technique exercises for the development of rolls, flams, and accent patterns. Numerous etudes follow the introduction of each new concept. The book culminates with ten challenging solos that make use of the many musical parameters covered throughout the book.
Text in English and Italian
[115 pages].

Lively snare drum solo with concert band accompaniment. Lent was the percussionist/trap drummer at the Hippodrome Theater (NY), circa 1911-16. Solos such as The Ragtime Drummer were regularly featured in the theater programs of the early 1900’s as they were an ideal vehicle for allowing the theater orchestra musicians of the era to "show their stuff" and were popular with audiences as well. high school/college.

Unique piece for solo snare drum and tape. Rodeo contemplates the different pronunciations of the title [ro-dee-o and ro-day-o] in both a very abstract sense and an absurd theatrical sense. The simple change in the accent of the two pronunciations from the first syllable to the second, and the rhythmic changes involved are the motivating force behind the tape and the snare drum part. Recorded accompaniment included.
adv. high school/college. [Recorded on Tympanum Ubïquitäs - HRCD005]

A diverse collection, great for contests or recitals!  Each solo makes use of a different set of technical challenges.  Includes performance notes for each piece in German and English.  adv. high school/college. 

"The pieces I am presenting here originate from my work with snare drum rudiments and snare techniques, which I found especially exciting. My intention was not just to put together some complicated figures, but rather to get a musical idea going that is developed, varied or contrasted in the course of each piece. The result is music of great intensity. Working on these pieces is easiest and the most fun with well developed  technique. This means having a thorough understanding of the rudiments, and the ability to play dynamically. With that in mind, this collection can motivate you to try out what you can do already, improve on the weak spots, and, last but not least, be creative yourself!" . . . Denis Stilke

Challenging collection for solo snare drum. "These twelve pieces are a written commitment to my first instrument – the snare drum. For many years, I felt that solo pieces for the snare drum were too limited. After writing works for orchestra and wind ensemble, as well as smaller chamber pieces and solos for other instruments, I came to a point that I felt confident enough to compose something for single rhythmic lines - appropriate for snare drum." - BWD

Lively solo that makes use of both rudimental and orchestral style techniques. Creative use of contrasting styles, dynamics and rhythms, makes this an ideal piece for contest or recital. adv. high school/college. [Recorded on Tympanum Ubïquitäs - HRCD005]

Studies in Rhythm contains a variety of moderate to advanced level snare drum solos and corresponding duets. The duets are constructed from the main musical elements utilized in each solo, for example: KRUSH is a solo and KRUSH II is a duet, and each share similar musical elements. In addition, the studies in this collection can be played in a rudimental (with open or measured rolls) or orchestral style (closed or buzz rolls).

These solos and duets enable the performer(s) to demonstrate both drumming skills and musical knowledge. Simple, compound and mixed meters are all represented in this collection. These studies are intended to be both educational and fun, and in addition, a viable performance option for auditions, competitions, or recitals. [65 pages]

Three movement suite - each in a contrasting style: Classical, Contemporary and Rudimental. Well suited for contest, audition or recital.
high school/college.

As a basic snare drum “primer,“ this very accessible and versatile method book is designed to help introduce young students to the “Total Percussion” concept of music-making. After some initial studies to develop good grip and stroke technique on snare drum, keyboard percussion study is introduced. At all stages of this book, the keyboard pages are rhythmically a few pages behind the snare drum, allowing the student to concentrate on note accuracy. There is much room for flexibility on the part of the teacher - more information can be added where and when it is deemed necessary to meet each individual student’s interests.
[45 pages.]

A demanding work which juxtaposes rudimental style drumming with complicated rhythmic structure.  An excellent solo for auditions or competitions.

Price: $32.95

Snare drum quartet in three movements - optional
additional player(s) on cymbal and bass drum. The term "Chamade" is
derived from an old French military expression for a drum (or trumpet)
signal for a cease fire. This unique suite of three movements is in fact
a concert version of a series of military drum signals. Players utilize
a variety of sticking techniques, adv. high school/college.

"This interesting work explores most of the sound possibilities of the snare drum. It will be challenging for the performer and visually and aurally fascinating for the audience."
(Percussive Notes)

SEE ALSO: SURROGATE for Percussion Ensemble (4-6 Players)

Scored for 4-5 players, this ensemble is a "rudimental fantasy" - which utilizes themes from three traditional snare drum compositions; Three Camps, The Downfall of Paris and Connecticut Halftime, with a nod to Steve Gadd’s performance of Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover! Instrumentation: three snare drums, bass drum and optional toms (2). Big fun!
high school/college.

 [Recorded on Tympanum Ubïquitäs - HRCD005]

Scored for 4 players, this ensemble can be played on four concert snare drums, or a combination of "military" or marching snare drums.  A fun and challenging work-out for a batch of snare drummers!
high school/college.