Snare Technique

Question 1

Talk about snare drum dynamics

Answer 1

• higher stroke = louder
• lower stroke = softer
• near the rim = softer
• farther from the rim = louder

Question 2

Talk about setting up the snare

Answer 2

• should be level
• snare strainer directly in front of you
• forearms should be slightly lower than parallel

Question 3

Causes of an uneven roll

Answer 3

• one stick is higher than the other
• sticks not striking the same spot
• more tension in one hand than the other

Question 4

Describe matched grip

Answer 4

• balance point is 1/3 of the way from the butt to the tip
• the fulcrum is made at the balance point by the thumb and forefinger
• taught because it matches the concert snare set up
• taught first due to the ease of learning

Question 5

Teach a 5 stroke roll

Answer 5

• controlled single stroke
• buzz stroke
• controlled 2 bounces per stroke
• LLRRL, RRLLR

Question 6

Difference between buzz roll and metered roll

Answer 6

the buzz roll uses multiple bounces per stroke while the measured roll uses only 2 bounces per stroke

Question 7

Describe the full stroke

Answer 7

• should be consistent no matter which hand is playing
• stroke is straight up and down
• fingers and wrist relaxed
• the height of the stroke may be adjusted

Question 8

Advantages of matched grip

Answer 8

• greater amount of transfer for other percussion instruments
• better control for the beginner
• fits better with stands used for today’s drums

Question 9

Talk about unmetered rolls at different dynamic levels

Answer 9

When playing unmetered rolls in a soft dynamic level the roll speed will be slower, the speed must be increased if the volume is louder to keep the evenness of the sound.