"The art of rudimental drumming is highly developed in France..."
About the Rudiments: The rudiments are the building blocks of all rudimental drumming. Most of the rudiments we use
come from English fife drumming, and can be traced to a book written in 1815 by Sam Potter, drum major of the Coldstream Footguards, in England. One of his students, Charles Stuart Ashworth, brought these traditions to America where they became the duty manual for the U.S. Marines. From there they grew to become the 26
standard American drum rudiments.
As well as that tradition, there are many other systems of rudimental drumming that have contributed
to the modern form of drumming which we enjoy today. One of these is French rudimental drumming.
The French system of rudimental drumming is one of the most beautiful and interesting in the world.
The art of rudimental drumming is highly developed in France, and many of the most beautiful rudiments were
developed there. It is no coincidence that many of our favorite Swiss rudiments have French names. A complete list
of French rudiments can be found in "Methode de Tambour," by Robert tourte; 1946.
The Swiss rudimental system is another form of drumming whose influence is being felt worldwide.
The main progenitor of this music was Dr. Fritz Berger, author of the Swiss army manual of 1937, and of other
books on Swiss drumming. The use of tap rolls (rolls starting with a single stroke),tap flams, flammed rolls,
patafla-fla, Swiss army triplets, charge strokes, and final strokes have added new dimensions to the rudimental
repertoire.
Of all the forms of rudimental drumming, Scotch drumming is possibly the most adventurous in the
world. This form of drumming has been explained in a wonderfully detailed manual by Sir Alec Duthart entitled
"The Maestro." This book explains the difficult syncopation used in this ultramodern form of rudimental drumming; as well as the Scotch use of closed rolls, Scotch drags (using 'dead' srrokes, where the stick strikes and stays on
the drumhead), windmills, and other peculiarities of this unique form of drumming.
Last, but by no means least, there is modern 'Drum and Bugle Corps' style of drumming.
This form uses techniques from all of the above mentioned, and more, in the most dazzling display of drumming
and showmanship, military precision and accuracy you will find anywhere.
The purpose of this book is to present you with a few of the many and varied techniques in this
wonderful and artful form of drumming. It is my hope that the interest in this drumming by modern drummers will
prevent this art form from falling out of step with society's ears.
Bad Jack Rudimental Drums: