Can Classical Percussionists Play The Drums? (w/ Katie Rife) | The Drum Department 🥁 (Ep.23)

The Drum Department

19 Mar 202355:38

EducationalLearning

32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this engaging drum department episode, hosts Kyle and Katie delve into the world of classical percussion, exploring its unique challenges and nuances. They discuss the importance of improvisation, the role of conductors, and the diverse instruments used in classical settings. The episode features a special guest, concert percussionist Katie Rife, who shares her experiences and offers insights into the classical percussion world. Additionally, the hosts experiment with various percussion techniques and discuss the importance of practice and preparation in achieving musical precision.

Takeaways

🎶 The conversation begins with a discussion on the learning process for percussionists and drummers, highlighting the importance of practice and rhythm.
🥁 The guests, Kyle and Katie, delve into the differences between classical percussion and drum set playing, emphasizing the variety of instruments and styles involved.
🎵 Katie shares her experience as a classical percussionist, playing in orchestras and new music ensembles, and the fluctuation in her work from week to week.
🎼 The topic of improvisation in classical percussion is explored, with Katie explaining that it's more common than in other classical instruments due to the nature of percussion.
🎧 Aaron discusses the challenges of transitioning from drum set playing to classical percussion, noting the differences in reading music and improvising.
🎷 The conversation touches on the importance of preparation and consistency in classical music, contrasting with the more improvisational nature of jazz and rock drumming.
🎹 The guests talk about the role of the conductor in orchestral performances, and how they help musicians navigate complex pieces with large ensembles.
🎺 A story is shared about a mishap during a performance where a conductor mistakenly counted a bar, leading to a brief moment of confusion on stage.
🥂 The guests discuss the importance of being able to react and adapt during live performances, especially when unexpected issues arise.
🎻 The conversation concludes with a segment where Katie attempts to play the drums, highlighting the cross-training benefits between percussion and drum set playing.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the discussion in the transcript?
-The main theme of the discussion is the exploration of classical percussion, its similarities and differences with modern drumming, and the experiences of musicians who have delved into both worlds.
Who are the main speakers in the transcript?
-The main speakers in the transcript are Kyle, Katie, and Aaron Graham.
What is the significance of Leonard Bernstein in the context of the discussion?
-Leonard Bernstein is mentioned as an example of an acclaimed conductor who had a particular approach to working with percussionists, which included being tough on players but also kind in his own way.
What does Katie do as a classical percussionist?
-As a classical percussionist, Katie plays in orchestras and new music ensembles, involving a variety of instruments and performances that can fluctuate on a week-to-week basis.
How does Aaron describe the difference between drum set playing and classical percussion?
-Aaron describes the difference by noting that drum set players often improvise within a certain style, while classical percussionists face more improvisation challenges due to the nature of percussion and the fact that many traditions are not notated.
What is the role of a conductor in an orchestra?
-The conductor plays a crucial role in navigating and coordinating the large ensemble of musicians, providing cues for tempo, dynamics, and entry points for various sections and soloists.
How do classical percussionists deal with the stress of waiting for their cues during a performance?
-Classical percussionists deal with this stress through thorough preparation, understanding their part in the context of the entire ensemble, and developing a strong internal sense of timing and cue recognition.
What is the significance of the piece 'Ravel's Bolero' in the context of the discussion?
-'Ravel's Bolero' is highlighted as an excellent piece for practicing control and consistency due to its long, dynamic snare drum part that requires a consistent sound throughout the performance.
What advice does Katie give for playing the snare drum part in 'Ravel's Bolero'?
-Katie advises using the right hand as much as possible for playing eighth notes to achieve a consistent sound, and starting triplets with the left hand to land on strong beats with the right hand.
What is the main takeaway from the discussion about exploring different styles of music?
-The main takeaway is that broadening one's musical horizons by exploring different styles and genres can enrich a musician's skills and understanding, leading to a more versatile and interesting approach to their craft.

Outlines

00:00

🎶 Introduction to the Drum Department

The video begins with an introduction to the Drum Department, highlighting the hosts, Kyle and Katie, and their guest, Aaron Graham. The conversation delves into the world of classical percussion, with Katie sharing her experiences as a concert percussionist. The hosts discuss the differences between drummers and percussionists, the variety of instruments played, and the unique challenges faced by classical percussionists, such as improvisation and the need for extensive preparation.

05:00

🎵 The Split Between Drumming Worlds

The discussion continues with the hosts exploring the differences between rock drumming and classical percussion. Aaron shares his experiences straddling both worlds, highlighting the distinct approaches to improvisation and reading in each genre. The conversation touches on the importance of preparation and consistency in classical music, contrasting with the more spontaneous nature of drumming in rock and other popular styles.

10:01

🎼 The Role of the Conductor in Orchestras

The hosts delve into the role of conductors in orchestras, emphasizing their importance in navigating complex musical works with large ensembles. The conversation covers how musicians rely on conductors, section leaders, and visual and auditory cues to stay in sync during performances. The hosts also discuss the challenges of following conductors with different styles and the importance of being able to adapt and react quickly during performances.

15:01

🎵 Anecdotes from Performances

The hosts share anecdotes from their performances, discussing the challenges and unexpected moments that can occur on stage. They talk about the importance of being able to recover from mistakes and the role of great conductors in helping ensembles find their way back together. The conversation also touches on the learning experiences gained from these situations and the camaraderie among musicians in overcoming these challenges.

20:02

🥁 Learning to Play 'Walk This Way'

The video segment shifts to a practical lesson where the hosts teach viewers how to play 'Walk This Way' by Aerosmith. The lesson focuses on the use of feet in drumming, a key difference between drum set players and percussionists. The hosts guide the viewers through the rhythm pattern, starting with the bass part and gradually adding eighth notes on the hi-hat and snare drum. The lesson emphasizes the importance of coordination and practice in mastering the technique.

25:04

🎵 Exploring Different Grips for Mallets

The hosts introduce different grips for mallets used in playing various percussion instruments like marimba, vibraphone, and xylophone. They discuss the traditional grip, cross grip, and Steven's grip, demonstrating each and explaining their applications. The segment highlights the natural feel of the traditional grip for many players and the importance of thumb and finger placement for controlling the mallets. The hosts also emphasize the cross-training benefits of learning different grips and techniques.

30:05

🎵 Rapid Fire Questions and Student of the Week

The hosts engage in a rapid-fire question segment, asking each other 20 questions in 60 seconds. The questions cover preferences in drumming equipment, music, and personal interests. Following this, the hosts announce the 'Student of the Week,' recognizing a member of their online community for their progress and dedication to learning drums. The segment concludes with a clip of the student's performance, showcasing their skills and growth.

35:06

🎵 Groove of the Week: Ravel's Bolero

The hosts present 'Groove of the Week,' focusing on Ravel's Bolero. They discuss the piece's significance in the snare drum repertoire and its value for practicing rudiments and dynamic control. The hosts provide tips on achieving a consistent sound and maintaining precision throughout the piece. They also touch on the importance of using different parts of the drum and adjusting stick height to control dynamics, making it an excellent exercise for developing a drummer's ear and control.

40:08

🎵 Gear Review and Giveaway

The hosts review a cymbal bag from Tackle, discussing its features, materials, and design. They highlight the bag's durability and practicality for carrying symbols. The segment concludes with a giveaway, where the hosts award the bag to one of their members and offer a one-year membership to another lucky viewer, encouraging viewers to join their community for future opportunities.

45:09

🎵 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Episode Preview

In the final segment, the hosts share their closing thoughts, encouraging viewers to explore different styles of music and attend live performances to broaden their musical horizons. They emphasize the benefits of exposure to various genres and the impact it can have on a drummer's growth and versatility. The hosts also preview the upcoming episode, which will feature drummer Thomas Lang and a challenge involving rudiment techniques.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Percussionists

Percussionists are musicians who play percussion instruments, which are typically struck, shaken, or scraped to produce sound. In the context of the video, percussionists are learning to play the drums and are exploring the different techniques and styles involved in classical percussion. The video discusses the versatility of percussionists, who may play a variety of instruments from the vibraphone to a simple triangle, depending on the gig.

💡Classical Percussion

Classical percussion refers to the use of percussion instruments within the context of classical music, which includes symphonies, concertos, and chamber music. This genre often involves a more formal and structured approach to music, with specific techniques and instrumentation. In the video, the guests discuss the unique challenges and nuances of classical percussion, such as the need for precision, improvisation, and understanding the role of percussion within a larger ensemble.

💡Improvisation

Improvisation in music is the act of spontaneously creating and performing a composition or a section of a composition. While classical percussion often involves reading sheet music, there is also a significant element of improvisation, especially in comparison to other classical instruments. In the video, the guests discuss how percussionists may improvise within a certain style or tradition, and how this differs from the more structured playing of other instruments.

💡Drum Set

A drum set, also known as a drum kit, is a collection of drums and other percussion instruments set up for convenient use by a single player, typically with foot pedals for the bass drum and hi-hat. In the video, the distinction is made between drummers who play drum sets and percussionists who may play a wider variety of instruments. The drum set is often associated with rock, jazz, and other popular music genres, but can also be used in classical music.

💡Orchestra

An orchestra is a large instrumental ensemble that typically plays classical music, including symphonies, concertos, and other works. Orchestras are composed of various sections, including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. The video discusses the role of percussionists within an orchestra, highlighting the importance of preparation, timing, and listening to the other sections of the ensemble.

💡Conductor

A conductor is the person who directs an orchestra or other musical ensemble, ensuring the coordination of tempo, dynamics, and overall interpretation of the music. Conductors use gestures and cues to guide the musicians and shape the performance. In the video, the importance of the conductor is emphasized, particularly in managing large ensembles and helping the musicians navigate complex musical works.

💡Dynamics

Dynamics in music refer to the volume levels or the variation in loudness and softness of the sound produced by an instrument or ensemble. They are an essential aspect of musical expression, allowing for the conveyance of emotion and nuance. In the context of the video, dynamics are crucial for percussionists, as they must adjust their playing to match the overall dynamics of the orchestra or ensemble.

💡Rudiments

Rudiments are the fundamental patterns or exercises used by drummers and percussionists to develop technical skills, such as stick control, timing, and coordination. They form the building blocks for more complex rhythms and patterns. In the video, rudiments are discussed as a key aspect of practicing and improving drumming skills, with the suggestion that they can be applied in different musical contexts, including classical percussion.

💡Timpani

The timpani, also known as kettle drums, are large, bowl-shaped percussion instruments that produce sound when the skin head is struck with a drumstick. They are a standard part of the classical orchestra and are known for their ability to produce a wide range of pitches and dynamic levels. In the video, the timpani is mentioned as an example of the different instruments a percussionist might play, depending on the requirements of the ensemble and the piece being performed.

💡Vibraphone

The vibraphone is a percussion instrument resembling a pair of cymbals placed on a frame with metal bars of different lengths. It is played with mallets and is known for its resonant, bell-like sound. The vibraphone is commonly used in jazz and classical music, and it requires a unique set of techniques to play effectively. In the video, the vibraphone is mentioned as one of the many instruments a concert percussionist might be called upon to play.

Highlights

Introduction to the Drum Department with hosts Kyle and Katie discussing the learning process of percussionists.

Discussion on Leonard Bernstein's conducting style and his interaction with triangle players.

Katie Rife's background as a classical percussionist and her experiences playing in orchestras and new music ensembles.

Differences between drummers and percussionists, and the variety of instruments played by each.

The role of improvisation in classical percussion and the challenges of reading and interpreting traditional percussion music.

Aaron Graham's perspective on the differences between playing in a rock band and a classical setting, and his transition between the two.

The importance of preparation and consistency in classical music, and how it differs from other styles of music.

Discussion on the role of the conductor in an orchestra and the importance of section leaders.

Katie's experience with a xylophone solo mishap and the challenges of recovering from performance errors.

The value of learning from mistakes and how orchestras navigate through errors collectively.

Aaron's explanation of the role of a conductor and how they guide the tempo and dynamics of the orchestra.

Katie's demonstration of playing the vibraphone and the techniques involved in handling mallets.

The importance of cross-training in percussion and how it benefits musicians in various styles of play.

Katie's performance of Ravel's Bolero on the snare drum, showcasing the importance of control and consistency.

Discussion on the dynamic range of Ravel's Bolero and how it serves as an excellent exercise for drummers looking to improve their skills.

Giveaway of a Tackle wax canvas and leather cymbal bag, showcasing its features and durability.

Advice for drummers to explore different styles of music and attend various shows to broaden their musical horizons.

Transcripts

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Related Tags

Classical Percussion Modern Drumming Musical Fusion Expert Insights Performance Tips Orchestra Dynamics Drumming Techniques Percussion Styles Musical Collaboration Artistic Expression