Fresh Perspectives for the Modern Drumline

Jim Casella is the percussion caption head and arranger, and Murray Gusseck is the head percussion instructor, for the five-time world champion Santa Clara Vanguard Drum & Bugle Corps from Santa Clara, California. Fresh Perspectives features ensemble exercises and music from the corps’ past three competitive seasons (1996-98).

In the first 39 pages of the book, Gusseck explains five techniques (legato strokes, accents & taps, flams, paradiddles, and rolls) accompanied by exercises in each area. Each of the exercises is scored for snare, tenor,and bass, which makes it useful for any member of the drumline.

The last fifty pages, written by Casella, are excerpts from the Vanguard’s “battery” book (scored for snare, tenor, bass, and cymbals; the “pit” or melodic keyboard parts are not included). Prior to each example is a brief written description about the music, how it fits into the overall score, and special highlights to look for in the battery.

Dynamics and stickings are marked throughout the book. In fact, the authors utilize a unique approach to stickings, marking “R” and “L” for accented right- and left-hand notes and “r” and “l” for unaccented ones. Unfortunately, sometimes the lower-case letters are hard to read.

If you are a fan of the Vanguard, or want a more “behind the scenes” look at a Top-12 DCI corps, this book gives you a peek at what one needs to do to achieve the precision and technique seen on the field. Scattered throughout the book are pictures of the Vanguard’s drumline over the years, both at rehearsals and in uniformed performance. Rudimentally minded drumset players would probably be able to steal quite a few licks to incorporate into their practice or performance, too.

–Cody Alvin Cassidy
Modern Drummer (April, 1999)

 

Fresh Perspectives for the Modern Drumline is a collection of ensemble exercises and musical excerpts taken from the Santa Clara Vanguard Percussion Section. Section One (Exercises and Technique) contains 14 warm-up exercises organized under the following categories: Legato Strokes, Accents and Taps. F!ams, Paradiddles. and Rolls. The exercises are unique and add a new twist to the old standards. Instructions and insights are provided for each exercise.

Section Two (SCV Musical Excerpts) contains 17 short percussion passages from the Santa Clara Vanguard 1996, 1997, and 1998 shows. Many specialized techniques (especially for cymbals) are included with clear explanations. These excerpts could be used as developmental musical exercises for more advanced drumlines. No pit instruments are included in any of the exercises or musical excerpts.

This unique book would be very beneficial for advanced drumlines looking for innovative and challenging material, as well as individuals who are interested in writing for marching percussion ensembles.

–Tom Morgan
Percussive Notes Magazine