Rudiments – An Alternative Approach

An article written by Dr. Laura L. Franklin titled "Rudiments – An Alternative Approach" was recently published by The JOURNAL of PERCUSSION PEDAGOGY Volume 1, No. 1 - October 2008. The topic, in summary, is "It should be understood, however, that rudiments are not necessary for the development of any percussionist, even one primarily interested in playing the marching snare drum. Further, undue focus on the practice and perfection of such a limited number of sticking patterns to the detriment of other areas will result in a player with limited musical abilities."

So that you can read the entire article please refer to http://percussionpedagogy.com/jpp/01-1-rudiments.html .

Dr. Franklin makes some valid points. But do we actually remove rudiments from the beginning studies when mental and muscle development are at their best?

Read the article and let's hear what you have to say.

Ray Sword

Heidi Klum and Guitar Hero

Heidi Klum's Guitar Hero commercial has got to be the latest lows of low for the gaming industry and for herself.

For starts, the gaming industry has raped the consumers worldwide on sales of the games Guitar Hero and Rock Band and all of the accessories nearly the same way oil companies raped consumers on gas prices. The consumer gets addicted and they'll spend whatever to get it. And when the next Gene Simmons Limited Edition Axe comes out for the games you can bet many will go out and buy it.

What amazes me more is the number of consumers that would never take a music class for the worry of being a band geek in their younger days are now wanting to be glorified, certified, GH Superstars; the best button pushing, flipper-flipping guitar emulating band geeks anywhere. And will waste thousands of dollars doing it. Yes, thousands. Add up all of the replaced, broken 'controllers', upgrades, another version, newer model, different color, etc. and it adds up. That's why every toy maker is jumping on to this rapidly growing money waster. They see consumers buying it all.

Want real proof to what I say? Let's look at Gene Simmons of KISS. He now has his AXE ready for the market. Gene is a marketing genius and proved it over the years starting back in the seventies. From the Costumes to lunch boxes to Action Figures, KISS was marketed in many ways more than most music groups ever were and GENE made MILLIONS on the KISS Empire. There is not one product on the market that resembles KISS unless it's through Gene Simmons. So, if Gene sees a way to make $$$$$$$ he'll do it.

Ok, I guess I should say something about Heidi Klum here or should I comment on how unoriginal the Brett Ratner commercial is. So, here goes. I guess she needed the popularity of GH to bring her some attention. Brett is cashing in on the the unoriginal commercial making of Risky Business that featured Tom Cruise. It seems the only thing original anymore are the songs being featured in the games.

Anyone want to emulate the motion?

The Simmons SD5K Electronic Drum Kit - A Review

I recently saw a Simmons Drum kit SD5K at Music & Arts and decided to see if it was worth looking into as at least as a practice kit.

Comes with 4 drum pads, kick tower, 3 cymbal pads and a hi-hat footswitch, rack and module, sticks and power pack. Ok, not a bad start. No bass drum pedal. No problem. All cables for pads to module included. Nice.

The first hits on the kit while in default settings prove not bad at all. The ride cymbal was the first not to trigger on all strikes. Switched cymbal pads and still the same. Missed triggers.

Ok, on to the hi-hat. Here's the real test. Do you get a good sound when opening and closing the hats pedal. I was getting ... A GREAT RESPONSE from the hi-hats!!!!! I always heard many other drummers say the HH bites. This one is so close to real. So I tried partial opens and all. I'm shocked. It worked!!!!

Now, the rest. All pads worked and responded well to dynamic playing. Even the kick tower.

The frame is very lightweight.

Even for a practice kit this would be ok. I may just get one for the studio to teach on. For apartment living this will help you get that practice in quietly.

Oh. There is a headphone jack and an AUX in to pipe in mp3's and all.

Music & Arts price ... $499.00 + taxes (In-Stock).
Music 123.com .... $399.00 + taxes and shipping.
Musician's Friend ... $399.00 = taxes and shipping.
Shipping will have an additiional charge because of the box size.

Shop for the better deal for you.

Did you attend the 1st Annual Sun City Throw Down at the El Paso Coliseum?

Did you attend the 1st Annual Sun City Throw Down at the El Paso Coliseum in El Paso, TX? We want to hear your experience.

Tell us what you saw, what you liked and disliked. What were you hoping to see but didn't. Did you win one of the door prizes? What did you win?

Tell all of your friends that attended to come here and share their experience.

Kenneth R sword Jr

Badassdrumming is giving away T-shirts, shoulder bags and CDs

Biggest Drumming Event to hit El Paso, TX and Badassdrumming is part of it. We will be giving away t-shirts, shoulder bags and CDs with the ebook Big Book of Scales and bonus material.

The 1st Annual Sun City Throw Down is scheduled for Saturday, November 1, 2008 at the El Paso County Coliseum located at 4100 East Paisano Street. This event is presented by the Ysleta IDS Fine Arts Department & Eastwood High School and sponsoring companies Promark Drumsticks, Mapex Drums and Badassdrumming.com.

This all day event starts at 9 AM and will feature schools in competition facing 3 top aujudicators in the drumming arena and master clinics by endorsed artists from Promark and other companies.

Be sure to hold to your tickets because there will be giveaways and prizes from several companies. Even if you don't win you can save money when you buy items from these companies at this event.

Tickets are $3.00 for Students and $5.00 for Adults for this all day event. For more information call (915) 434-4033.

This information is being brought to you courtesy of Badassdrumming.com.

Ray Sword to perform with the Frederick Symphony Orchestra

Ray Sword will be one of the percussionists performing with the Frederick Symphony Orchestra on October 25th, 2008. FSO's concert titled "Latin Fiesta" will be featuring guest artist Luis Engelke and will be held at the Jack B. Kussmaul Theater. Concert time is 8:00PM.

See the calendar for full details.

The FSO is under the direction of Elisa Koehler.

Drumming Event promises to be BIG

The 1st Annual Sun City Throw Down will be El Paso's biggest drumming event ever. With endorsed artists from Promark, SPAUN Drums and Badassdrumming.com, DCI Crossmen member Andrea Linan and more being there this all day event will be great. Master clinics, adjudicated competition, products and giveaways will be the major reason to be there. They predict the turnout to be between 2,000 to 5,000 people.

Another reason to be there ... the brotherhood of drummers and drumming. Go out and share time at this event and show them "YOU'RE A BETTER DRUMMER THAN THOSE ON ROCK BAND!".

For event details read the previous blog post.

Sword