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Rick Dior is a musical chameleon. Through his vast experience with rudimental, orchestral, world music, and drum set styles, Broad Strokes is the quintessential collection of snare drum studies focusing on developing technical facility in a variety of stylized musical genres.
The 31 solos in this collection are contained in four main sections (scroll down for full listing of solos):
Each solo includes an introduction and exercises to aid in facilitating confident performances. Performance recordings of each piece are included by Dior. Choose to listen to the performance alone or with a click track. Whether for recitals, auditions, or private study, Broad Strokes is a timeless, must-own collection for any serious percussionist.
Broad Strokes includes a supplemental download with performance tracks (with and without a click).
1) In the Beginning (1:25)
2) Old School (2:10)
3) Ratamawho? (1:40)
4) Grace Under Pressure (2:05)
5) Field Waltz (1:40)
6) Roll Off (1:50)
7) It’s Rudimental (1:40)
8) Rollarama (2:00)
9) Flam This! (2:20)
10) Herniola (2:15)
11) Pipe Dream (1:45)
12) Ruffing Up the Swiss (2:20)
13) Taps (2:40)
14) Jacques Clock (2:00)
15) Articulation (2:55)
16) Cut in Half (1:45)
17) Keep it Upbeat (1:50)
18) In the Hall (2:30) - Texas (grade 1)
19) Two For One (2:15)
20) A Switch in Time (1:40)
21) Change Up (1:35)
22) Singles Only (1:40)
23) Singleton (2:25)
24) Friday the 13th (2:50)
25) Second Line (3:00)
26) Take it to the Rim (2:45)
27) Brush Up (5:50)
28) Killer Joe (3:40)
29) Winter Time (2:45)
30) Caliente Snare Drum (4:00)
31) Brazilian Variations (5:40)
Use of this product is governed by the license terms outlined here.
Jim Petercsak
SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor
"Rick Dior has presented a challenging and rewarding method for all players and professionals, which covers all aspects of styles and techniques. This new publication is a welcome addition to any course of study for serious players to help advance there understanding of various styles, and to foster the development of fine control and advance techniques and abilities. I really like the comprehensive approach and chapters dedicated to select styles.
Broad Strokes by Rick Dior will become a must for serious snare drum players , and I encourage all teachers to explore the teaching/learning possibilities with their students. Highly recommended."
Murray Houllif
retired co-coordinator of percussion at North Texas State University
"This is a major contribution to the advanced snare drum literature by an accomplished, talented pro who has experienced a number of varied and high-level musical experiences in addition to obviously spending countless hours (and years) in the practice room. The sheer number and variety of studies, exercises and full-length compositions will keep the snare drummer busy, physically and mentally, for a long time. The application of the many techniques covered will benefit every player in whatever genre he/she applies them. Bravo to Rick and all at Tapspace!"
B. Michael Williams
Distinguished Professor of Percussion
Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC
"Rick Dior’s book, Broad Strokes, is as diverse as it is challenging. Over thirty solo compositions in styles ranging from rudimental to orchestral, jazz, Latin (and just about everything in between) cover a broad range of musical experiences for the advanced player. Preliminary exercises are very helpful for developing muscle memory in preparation for these innovative solos. Broad Strokes is just that, and much more!"
Jason Nicholson
Associate Professor of Percussion
Utah State University
"Rick Dior’s Broad Strokes is a wonderful addition to the repertoire for orchestral and rudimental snare drum. The solos are well written and contain refreshing compositions that combine rudimental, jazz, orchestral, and world music influences. In particular, the specialty solos are quite unique because of their use of unorthodox techniques. Given their advanced nature, they are perfect to use on a recital or as an audition piece. I highly recommend Broad Strokes to anyone pursuing the art of percussion."
Dr. John Parks IV, D.M.A.
Associate Professor of Percussion
The Florida State University
Broad Strokes is much more than a method book or a collection of solos—it's a truly comprehensive and inclusive way of learning rudimental and orchestral approaches to the snare drum. Discussion of technique and specific exercises accompany the original solos by Dior, which are expertly performed by the author on the accompanying CD. There is something here for everyone, whether a student, teacher, or professional!
________________________________________________________________________________
Percussionists looking for challenging snare drum repertoire will find exactly what they are looking for in Rick Dior’s Broad Strokes. With 31 solos exploring a variety of styles, there is a wealth of material here for anyone looking for advanced snare drum material.
The solos are broken into four categories: rudimental, orchestral, combination, and specialty solos. All solos are for advanced players and require solid technical proficiency to successfully perform. With that in mind, one of the great things about this book is that each solo is preceded by an introduction that talks about the solo, including performance suggestions and exercises specifically geared towards the more challenging aspects of the solo.
The rudimental solos have a good amount of variety to them, from the first solo, “In The Beginning,” that is very much in the style of John Pratt solos, to “Flam This!,” which has a much more contemporary flavor. Dior even explores the Scottish snare-drumming tradition with “Pipe Dream,” which is based on that style of drumming. These rudimental solos make up a bulk of the material.
The orchestral solos examine a number of facets of snare drumming related to the concert hall. As with the first section of the book, many of the etudes relate to a specific technical aspect, though these are a bit broader here. For example, “Jacques Clock” specifically explores an etude written in the style of the Delecluse Douze Etudes, so the ideas are a little broader than just examining flams or a particular rudiment. There are etudes that are more specific in this section as well, such as “Articulation,” which works on the execution of rolls and grace-note ornaments within certain rhythmic patterns, or what John W. Parks IV calls “ornaments in traffic,” or the solo “Keep It Upbeat” for snare drum and metronome that works on playing fast, continuous upbeats.
The combination solos contain elements of both the rudimental and orchestral solos, and according to the composer, “are most relevant to the performance of modern musical genres.” These solos tend to deal with either the navigation of mixed-meter issues or with helping to develop single strokes.
Finally, a section of specialty solos utilizes “specific techniques which are either taken from or can be applied to drumset and Latin percussion.” Many of these solos could be seen as multi-percussion solos that take advantage of the variety of colors that can be produced on a snare drum, and that look at various musical styles, from New Orleans Second Line drumming and Middle Eastern rhythms to brush technique and Afro-Cuban styles.
In addition to the solos, Dior does a good job in explaining why these studies are important to the modern percussionist, as well as providing tips on practicing the solos, comparing the variety of styles, and suggestions on equipment. Also included is a CD that contains two versions of each solo. One version is a concert hall performance recorded in stereo, and the second splits the stereo field, providing the solo in one channel and a click track for practice in the other channel.
Broad Strokes will challenge any performer with material that has musical depth, variety, and technical demand. With the focus on pedagogy provided in the introductory text and the prelude to each etude, this collection would work well for advanced undergraduates looking for challenging repertoire through graduate students and even professionals searching for recital or audition repertoire.
—Brian Nozny
Percussion Notes
Vol. 55, No. 1, March, 2017
Rick Dior is a musical chameleon. Through his vast experience with rudimental, orchestral, world music, and drum set styles, Broad Strokes is the quintessential collection of snare drum studies focusing on developing technical facility in a variety of stylized musical genres.
The 31 solos in this collection are contained in four main sections (scroll down for full listing of solos):
Each solo includes an introduction and exercises to aid in facilitating confident performances. Performance recordings of each piece are included by Dior. Choose to listen to the performance alone or with a click track. Whether for recitals, auditions, or private study, Broad Strokes is a timeless, must-own collection for any serious percussionist.
Broad Strokes includes a supplemental download with performance tracks (with and without a click).
1) In the Beginning (1:25)
2) Old School (2:10)
3) Ratamawho? (1:40)
4) Grace Under Pressure (2:05)
5) Field Waltz (1:40)
6) Roll Off (1:50)
7) It’s Rudimental (1:40)
8) Rollarama (2:00)
9) Flam This! (2:20)
10) Herniola (2:15)
11) Pipe Dream (1:45)
12) Ruffing Up the Swiss (2:20)
13) Taps (2:40)
14) Jacques Clock (2:00)
15) Articulation (2:55)
16) Cut in Half (1:45)
17) Keep it Upbeat (1:50)
18) In the Hall (2:30) - Texas (grade 1)
19) Two For One (2:15)
20) A Switch in Time (1:40)
21) Change Up (1:35)
22) Singles Only (1:40)
23) Singleton (2:25)
24) Friday the 13th (2:50)
25) Second Line (3:00)
26) Take it to the Rim (2:45)
27) Brush Up (5:50)
28) Killer Joe (3:40)
29) Winter Time (2:45)
30) Caliente Snare Drum (4:00)
31) Brazilian Variations (5:40)
Use of this product is governed by the license terms outlined here.
Jim Petercsak
SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor
"Rick Dior has presented a challenging and rewarding method for all players and professionals, which covers all aspects of styles and techniques. This new publication is a welcome addition to any course of study for serious players to help advance there understanding of various styles, and to foster the development of fine control and advance techniques and abilities. I really like the comprehensive approach and chapters dedicated to select styles.
Broad Strokes by Rick Dior will become a must for serious snare drum players , and I encourage all teachers to explore the teaching/learning possibilities with their students. Highly recommended."
Murray Houllif
retired co-coordinator of percussion at North Texas State University
"This is a major contribution to the advanced snare drum literature by an accomplished, talented pro who has experienced a number of varied and high-level musical experiences in addition to obviously spending countless hours (and years) in the practice room. The sheer number and variety of studies, exercises and full-length compositions will keep the snare drummer busy, physically and mentally, for a long time. The application of the many techniques covered will benefit every player in whatever genre he/she applies them. Bravo to Rick and all at Tapspace!"
B. Michael Williams
Distinguished Professor of Percussion
Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC
"Rick Dior’s book, Broad Strokes, is as diverse as it is challenging. Over thirty solo compositions in styles ranging from rudimental to orchestral, jazz, Latin (and just about everything in between) cover a broad range of musical experiences for the advanced player. Preliminary exercises are very helpful for developing muscle memory in preparation for these innovative solos. Broad Strokes is just that, and much more!"
Jason Nicholson
Associate Professor of Percussion
Utah State University
"Rick Dior’s Broad Strokes is a wonderful addition to the repertoire for orchestral and rudimental snare drum. The solos are well written and contain refreshing compositions that combine rudimental, jazz, orchestral, and world music influences. In particular, the specialty solos are quite unique because of their use of unorthodox techniques. Given their advanced nature, they are perfect to use on a recital or as an audition piece. I highly recommend Broad Strokes to anyone pursuing the art of percussion."
Dr. John Parks IV, D.M.A.
Associate Professor of Percussion
The Florida State University
Broad Strokes is much more than a method book or a collection of solos—it's a truly comprehensive and inclusive way of learning rudimental and orchestral approaches to the snare drum. Discussion of technique and specific exercises accompany the original solos by Dior, which are expertly performed by the author on the accompanying CD. There is something here for everyone, whether a student, teacher, or professional!
________________________________________________________________________________
Percussionists looking for challenging snare drum repertoire will find exactly what they are looking for in Rick Dior’s Broad Strokes. With 31 solos exploring a variety of styles, there is a wealth of material here for anyone looking for advanced snare drum material.
The solos are broken into four categories: rudimental, orchestral, combination, and specialty solos. All solos are for advanced players and require solid technical proficiency to successfully perform. With that in mind, one of the great things about this book is that each solo is preceded by an introduction that talks about the solo, including performance suggestions and exercises specifically geared towards the more challenging aspects of the solo.
The rudimental solos have a good amount of variety to them, from the first solo, “In The Beginning,” that is very much in the style of John Pratt solos, to “Flam This!,” which has a much more contemporary flavor. Dior even explores the Scottish snare-drumming tradition with “Pipe Dream,” which is based on that style of drumming. These rudimental solos make up a bulk of the material.
The orchestral solos examine a number of facets of snare drumming related to the concert hall. As with the first section of the book, many of the etudes relate to a specific technical aspect, though these are a bit broader here. For example, “Jacques Clock” specifically explores an etude written in the style of the Delecluse Douze Etudes, so the ideas are a little broader than just examining flams or a particular rudiment. There are etudes that are more specific in this section as well, such as “Articulation,” which works on the execution of rolls and grace-note ornaments within certain rhythmic patterns, or what John W. Parks IV calls “ornaments in traffic,” or the solo “Keep It Upbeat” for snare drum and metronome that works on playing fast, continuous upbeats.
The combination solos contain elements of both the rudimental and orchestral solos, and according to the composer, “are most relevant to the performance of modern musical genres.” These solos tend to deal with either the navigation of mixed-meter issues or with helping to develop single strokes.
Finally, a section of specialty solos utilizes “specific techniques which are either taken from or can be applied to drumset and Latin percussion.” Many of these solos could be seen as multi-percussion solos that take advantage of the variety of colors that can be produced on a snare drum, and that look at various musical styles, from New Orleans Second Line drumming and Middle Eastern rhythms to brush technique and Afro-Cuban styles.
In addition to the solos, Dior does a good job in explaining why these studies are important to the modern percussionist, as well as providing tips on practicing the solos, comparing the variety of styles, and suggestions on equipment. Also included is a CD that contains two versions of each solo. One version is a concert hall performance recorded in stereo, and the second splits the stereo field, providing the solo in one channel and a click track for practice in the other channel.
Broad Strokes will challenge any performer with material that has musical depth, variety, and technical demand. With the focus on pedagogy provided in the introductory text and the prelude to each etude, this collection would work well for advanced undergraduates looking for challenging repertoire through graduate students and even professionals searching for recital or audition repertoire.
—Brian Nozny
Percussion Notes
Vol. 55, No. 1, March, 2017
