Marching Snare - benefit?

Old-Marching-Snare · Posted: Tue Feb 18, 2003 12:33 am Post subject: Marching Snare - benefit?

Good Morning!

I have a question that may seem very elementary but need the advice. First, I would like to thank Saurencaerthai for the great posts and advice to drummers of all skill levels and ages. You are very encouraging, and I conclude you are a bright young man. There are others who post here often, and I also appreciate their comments.

I've looked for a topic and done searches to avoid starting a new thread but didn't get results. Many years ago I was in drum corps and it did not take me long (about two years) to 'rise up' to lead snare. This was approx. 30 years ago. I have no excuses for not keeping up with drumming except job, school, career. Heh.

It seems now (no, it's a need) that I want to return to those days and start over. I want to start practicing rudiments again on a practice pad and my goal is to procure a fine marching snare. I realize that for the price of a quality 12x14" snare I could get a whole kit or set but this is what I want to do.

Does anyone see a detriment to taking this path or will it be beneficial? Obviously in time I would like to 'be seated' and play a kit, but that's down the road. As my skills increase I would add a stationary cymbal or two...

Currently I am doing my research and pricing marching snares. Pearl appeals to me but I am also favoring the Dynasty DFX modular snare (includes double snare, concert shell and full-size shell). I've already selected and ordered sticks that I believe I will be comfortable with.

My interest in this is discipline, precision, and exercise -- not just to make noise. Thank you in advance for any comments or suggestions.

- Jim

Saurencaerthai · King Kong Joined: 24 Sep 2002 Posts: 2609

Hey there! First, thank you very much for your kind words! Just tryin' to help out!

I see absolutely no detriment in taking up marching snare again. The drum corps style is as much a part of the drumming world as jazz or latin, and just like any style, it has things to offer every percussionist.

There are a few pointers I'd like to give that may help in your endevors:
First, as you mentioned, it has been around 30 years since you were playing as the top lead, and over that period of time (I'm presuming you haven't been practing during that time, correct me if I'm wrong,) it would make sense that you may have lost some of the strength and speed that you once were able to play at. Don't be frustrated if when you first sit down, you can't rattle off a snare exercise at 200 bpm. Speed and power both take time to regain. As well, do be sure to stay relaxed, as tension can eventually lead to carpal tunnel syndrom, and other happy repetitive stress disorders!

Second, it may help you to go seek out a teacher for a few lessons, one who has experiance in the Drum Corps realm. Even if it's just a few lessons, it may help you get over the initial hump of getting back into drumming.

Third, while it may be ideal to go out and purchase one of the $1,500 marching snares, keep in mind that you're just getting back in, so it can't hurt to get a cheaper drum to start off on. You can always upgrade later. Check out this link for some of the cheaper snares:
http://www.wwbw.com/category/?d=954725943&dd=954727685&c=954725954

Finally, one important phrase: HEARING PROTECTION! Your ears are sensitive organs, and so you might want to protect them. Any pair of 30 dcbl reduction plugs from the pharmacy should do the trick.

You sound like you know what you're going for and even though I've never met or heard you play, I think you'll prolly be able to pick it up, and possibly even bring it back up to where you were before. Good luck, and post back if you need any other help!

Old-Marching-Snare · Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2003 4:09 am Post subject: Thank You...

Thank you, Saurencaerthai --

You are correct, I have not drummed at all. Just gave it up! I'll take your suggestions of course.

Oh, no, I would never spend $1500 on a marching snare drum now or later... maybe spend 1/3 of that or less. Thanks also for the link... I had been browsing at Woodwind and Brasswind but did not see all the snares lined up on one page. Yesterday I did forget to mention Yamaha; those SFZ's are rated pretty highly. Good-looking drum too.

The ear protection is a great suggestion. Of course, I wear ear plugs all the time when at auto racing and sometimes I will wear them during jogging to get rid of traffic noise. I used to live on a quiet, dead-end road but like all areas in the greater Phoenix area... progress... traffic...

Thanks very much,

- Jim

Not Normal 1958 · Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2003 10:52 am Post subject:

Hi Old marching snare Very Happy

I can't offer you any advice on the above as I'm still new to drumming (3 months). I just wanted to say Hi .... and wish you good luck! Wink

Old-Marching-Snare · Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2003 9:03 pm Post subject: Hello 1958 . . .

Hi, Not Normal 1958!

Thanks for the welcome. I have enjoyed your supportive and interesting posts on DrumDogs. Let's have some humor with the serious issue at hand.

Who is leading in a small band with a vocalist? The singer? The drummer? The bass? We all know that the drummer gets blamed for tempo... but who is boss?

- Jim

Not Normal 1958 · Posted: Thu Feb 20, 2003 9:13 am Post subject:

Tricky one to answer that is .... it raises other questions!

For instance is the singer male or female? If the singer is male ... are there any females in the band?

If the whole band is female then I'd say the drummer is the boss!

Saurencaerthai · King Kong Joined: 24 Sep 2002 Posts: 2609

Interesting question!
Everyone is very important to making a group work, and its actually EVERY MEMBERS JOB, repeat: EVERY MEMBER'S JOB to keep the time, not just the drummer.
I personally feel, though, that in terms of the feel, time, and direction, it is the drummer that is the most vital. They can be the determining factor between a group just lazing along in a boring feel, or the group moving foreward in a musical oddysey.

Old-Marching-Snare · Posted: Thu Feb 20, 2003 6:39 pm Post subject: Agreed...

I agree with Saurencaerthai that EVERYONE needs to be working together to be a successful group but let's face it... the drummer has the most responsibility and must be credible. With that increased responsibility comes either camaraderie or blame. The drummer needs to know the tempo as written or improvised.

The boss could really be the person who signs the paychecks or whose name is on the marquee I guess. My question wasn't meant to have a hidden "two-parts" but I can see it does. I enjoy the two answers thus far. To follow along with Not Normal 1958, if the headliner is a big-name female singer I guess she is the boss. Imagine getting chewed out by someone like Barbra Streisand for playing too fast or slow. One would really need a thick skin!

Thank you,

- Jim

Not Normal 1958 · Posted: Fri Feb 21, 2003 5:24 am Post subject:

My thing about the female in the band was entirely intended to be tounge in cheek. I am not sexist or anything .... but that is a formidible thought about Barabara Streisand though ....lol.

It is quite a complex question though. My thoughts are that the leader of the band would be the one with the most experience in business side of things. You know ... like getting and negotiating the gigs, arranging rehersals and that sort of thing. In the early days of the Beatles I believe it was Lennon that did all the pushing and searching for a stage?!? Did that make Lennon the leader of the Beatles? Or was it McCartney for his singing and writing talents? Either way I don't think anyone ever saw Ringo Starr as the leader!

Not trying to start a major debate on this .... just find it interesting.

Alan.

Old-Marching-Snare · Posted: Sun Feb 23, 2003 5:07 am Post subject: Drummer / Leader

Old-Marching-Snare

Greetings!

A few days ago I received a shipment of sticks that I ordered; they are beauties IMHO. I will disclose them in the "Stick" thread as I receive the rest...

Right off the bat I can tell that my left hand/arm is pretty weak compared to the right. I gather that exercise and repetitive whole notes, half notes, and eventually, quarter notes will help? Whoops, I think I can handle whole notes... meant starting with quarter notes.

Have had a setback snafu with UPS and deliveries so my practice pad is in limbo. That delay will not change the goal of buying and using a new marching snare by August -- a birthday present to myself.

I love my sticks anyway... and I will post about them when the other ones arrive.

- Jim

Old-Marching-Snare · Posted: Tue May 13, 2003 4:08 am Post subject: Getting Pricy

As we near summer, I will be purchasing my dream snare drum (the Dynasty DFXT) in my preferred color scheme and trim. I still have not decided whether to go with black hardware or the standard silver trim. The Blue Devils had black in 2001 and silver in 2002; I don't know why.

The drum will end up being a bit pricy but this is what I've wanted. I think I can save a few bucks; I don't need the indoor snare wedge. And I don't need a carrier right away.

Word is that Dynasty will be producing a snare drum stand very soon and that will correspond well with my timing. However, does anyone have any suggestions for a stand for 12x14" snare? Obviously it must be rock-solid whether played indoors or out.

Thank you,

- Jim

Pond Drummer · Posted: Tue May 13, 2003 8:54 am Post subject:

Don't you just love it when you finally get something really good you've been saving up for for ages? Good luck to you sir #Fadeing color

_________________
>>>Carpe Diem<<<

Saurencaerthai · King Kong Joined: 24 Sep 2002 Posts: 2609

The the Pearl double braced snare stands are pretty sturdy and one of the few pieces of hardware I would ever trust buying from Pearl.

Check these out:
http://www.wwbw.com/Item/?itemno=83874
http://www.wwbw.com/Item/?itemno=30481

Old-Marching-Snare · Posted: Wed May 14, 2003 2:43 am Post subject: Pearl Stands