Lesson #8

LESSON #8

The Role of the Drums

This lesson supports the following GOALS:

[Goal #1] Students will gain an appreciation of traditional jazz and the continuing value of this music.

[Goal #3] Students will become acquainted with the role of each instrument in a traditional jazz ensemble.

[Goal #4] Students will play traditional jazz.

This lesson supports the following OBJECTIVES:

1.2 Student musicians will be motivated to begin playing traditional jazz.

3.3 Students will become acquainted with the role of the drums in a traditional jazz ensemble.

4.6 Students will learn how to play drums and washboard in a traditional jazz context.

RATIONALE: Playing traditional jazz effectively requires that musicians understand the function of each instrument in the ensemble.

If at all possible, the instrument master class video segments should be viewed by all the students, not just the player(s) of that instrument. It is important that all performers understand what each instrument is supposed to do, and the performance considerations involved.

NATIONAL STANDARDS SUPPORTED: See Appendix C.

KIT COMPONENTS:

■ Video: Segment 4, “Master Class for Drums”

ACTIVITY (app. 35 minutes):

1. Play Segment 4 of the online videos for the students (app. 20 minutes).

2. Discuss with the students their impression of the video (app. 5 minutes). What do they think are the most important things for the drummer to strive for when playing this music?

3. Spend the last 10 minutes of this lesson working with your drummer(s), helping him/her to interpret and apply what was presented. The drummer carries a disproportionate share of the responsibility for shaping the style of a performance; therefore the drummer’s understanding of the different stylistic approaches is key. Regardless of whether you are able to play drums, you can probably help your drummer(s) work through whatever he/she finds to be the most challenging aspects of the lesson.

EVALUATION: Do all the students understand the function of the drums in traditional jazz? Is your drummer(s) able to incorporate the lesson’s concepts into his/her playing? Has he/she mastered the basic New Orleans press roll “shimmy beat”?

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES: Your drums student(s) should continue to view this video segment, and practice the techniques and concepts demonstrated. If a washboard is available, have your drummer practice on it too, and play it in rehearsal where stylistically appropriate.