Two cymbals operated by the foot
High hat cymbal
Why is the drummer many times asked not to play “solid” quarter notes on the bass drum for jazz/swing tunes, even though the music has them clearly indicated throughout the piece?
- Creates too heavy a style
- It has a tendency to conflict with the bass line
- It can cover the bass line.
Which type of cymbal is more frequently used as a time keeper or to drive rhythms?
Ride
The ride cymbal is usually larger, heavier, and has more ring to it. This allows it to define a beat pattern
What statements are true about the “set-up” for a jazz drummer?
- It prepares the ensemble for the next section
- Must be stylistically correct
- Must be in the correct tempo.
What is the definition of a “KICK”?
Supporting full ensemble rhythmic figures; snare usually for short notes, bass drum for longer notes.
How is the bass drum used in a rock style?
In rock, the bass drum can be on 1 and 3.
The bass drum is heavier in rock vs. jazz.
Percentage of bass drum more in rock vs. jazz.
Used as a time keeper.
What is the definition of a “FILL” in jazz drumming?
A short solo leading into a set-up or new section of the music.
Name the standard parts of a 5-piece drum
Snare drum
Bass drum
Hi-hat
Ride cymbal
Tom tom and/or crash cymbal
Which style of music has the subdivision of beats fall primarily as eighth notes with dotted rhythms?
Latin
How is the bass drum used in a jazz style?
Bass drum is lighter in jazz vs. rock.
Bass drum is used for punctuation of figures in jazz.
What statements are true about the “kick” for a jazz drummer?
Usually reserved for the shout chorus
Often played during large tutti ensemble sections
Usually provides extra punch for the ensemble’s accents.
What phrases describe the crash cymbal?
Smaller, lighter, less ring, & brighter sound.
What is an over-written drum set part?
A part which has every rhythm and fill notated.
What is an under-written drum set part?
A part which consists mostly of slash marks on the staffs.
Which of the three types of cymbals regularly found in a basic drum set is used to punctuate special moments in the music?
Crash cymbal.
As the set drummer in a jazz ensemble how should you approach an over-written set part?
You should simplify the part making sure the keep the integrity of the music intact.
Make sure that you cover the basics of the style called for.
You should use it as a road map to see where you are going.
Which style has the bass drum dominate and the snare drum takes secondary role?
Rock
Which phrases best describe the ride cymbal?
Larger, heavier, & more ring.
What is the best definition of a “kick” as used in jazz drumming?
Usually used during large tutti sections or shout choruses to accent the ensemble’s playing.
To achieve a lighter/feathered sound on the bass drum, should the player use a heel up or heel down approach on the pedal? Why?
The player should use a heel down approach because there isn’t as much power in the leg with the heel down.
What are common problems for beginning set drummers when it comes to playing a fill?
They try to get too fancy.
They lose the tempo of the selection.
They do not have a clear idea of the subdivision in the selection.
What is the correct definition of a “SET-UP”?
A simple rhythmic pattern before an ensemble entrance to help the band come in together.
Which type of cymbal is most frequently used to establish a back beat?
High hat.
The foot control also allows for flexibility of sound depending on the open or closing of the cymbals.
What is the best definition of “comping” for a jazz drummer?
To accompany or compliment the ensemble playing.
As the drummer in a jazz ensemble, how should you approach an under-written set part?
Find the shout choruses and the ensemble hits.
You should make sure that you know the style of the music and play accordingly.
You should know which sections are playing at what time throughout the selection.
What statements are true of “comping” for a jazz drummer?
It must tastefully accompany the ensemble.
It should compliment the ensemble’s style.
It is more about what is being played now than about what is to come.
What cymbals are in a standard drum set and how do they function?
Ride cymbal - time keeper
Crash cymbals - accentuator
High hat - Set the back beat
Which type of cymbal is most frequently used to highlight important moments?
Crash cymbal.
Which style has the ride and high hat cymbals take the leading roles.
Swing.
Which style has the bass drum dominate in a dotted rhythm with a strong snare on beat two.
Latin.
What cymbal best fits the following description? Smaller, thinner, less ring?
Crash cymbal.
What is the appropriate definition of a “set-up” as used by a jazz drummer?
A one-time fill used to prepare the ensemble for it’s next section.
What is the correct definition of a “FILL”?
A short solo leading into a set-up or new section of the music.
Which cymbal is the basic drum set is used to define a beat pattern?
Ride cymbal.
In what style of music does the subdivision of the beats fall primarily as eighth notes in straight time?
Rock.
What phrases best describe the high hat cymbal?
Found in a pair.
Foot operated.
Variety of sound.
Which style of music has the subdivision of the beats fall primarily as triplets?
Swing
