UNDERWRITTEN DRUM SET PART
Often music for drums is not written out exactly as one performs it. When there is less information/notation than a typical drummer would play, they are called underwritten parts. They contain enough material that you understand what is going on, but what they give is minimal and put the responsibility on you, the drummer, to figure out the details of the drum set part. This is good news if you follow some basic rules. Know the music inside and out. To do this go to the director's score and do some investigative work. Check into what the different sections are doing and come up with a plan to integrate your part with theirs. Mark up your part with this information.
First, understand the FORM of the music. This means you know where the different sections of music occur. Be aware of:
You should always play in the style of the music.
You will often see slashes / in the music. This does NOT give you the freedom to do anything that you like. It gives you outlines of shapes and patterns, like in a coloring book. Stay within the lines. Let your ears be your guide!
First, understand the FORM of the music. This means you know where the different sections of music occur. Be aware of:
- Intro
- Solos sections
- Shout choruses
- Ensemble playing
- Different textures
- Ensemble hits
- Fermatas
- Places for fills, accents, and kicks
- Dynamic shifts
You should always play in the style of the music.
You will often see slashes / in the music. This does NOT give you the freedom to do anything that you like. It gives you outlines of shapes and patterns, like in a coloring book. Stay within the lines. Let your ears be your guide!
UNDERWRITTEN PARTS
These two pieces employ mostly slashes and some ensemble cues. It is up to the drummer to figure out what fits best for the ensemble. The integrity of the piece must remain intact, but your personality can shine through. Don't be afraid to experiment.
Listen below to see/hear how the drummers interpreted these charts.
Listen below to see/hear how the drummers interpreted these charts.