What do you wish your DS would write?

[Famous Amos]

I've been a DS for 2 years now, and have written 3 full competition sets. I know what I want to hear, and that's what I write, but seeing as I have no background in tenor drumming, I typically just leave some empty spaces here and there for flourishing to be filled in later.

How would you tenor drummers prefer to have it done? Do you like having the rhythms set, and you add in the flourishing? Would you prefer that the DS kept his hands off the tenor music completely? Perhaps your DS has incorporated you in the writing process? I'd like to know how I can write tunes that my tenors will be happy with without comprimising my musical goals.

Let me know what you all prefer.

[Mike Cole]

Amos,
That really depends on what kind of relationships you have on your team. I listen to the new tunes and the accompanying side scores and then I put down my ideas on a recording and then to mp3. I send it out to the team to collaborate on it. Ensemble, rhythm, and flourishing are key areas of consideration. The lead drummer and/or pipe major have the final say . There are times when the DS and/or PM have a specific ideas, and that's where we'll start. I know that there are many different approaches to this, but what we have works very well for us. For me the process is all about pooling your creative resources (people) and work together.
Mike

[Celtic Mitch]

Our lead tip writes it all. He has an incredible sense of what works and what he wants to hear. He is normally 100% on the mark. We also have a first class swing tenor in our midsection and she comes up with flourishes that will fit and other moves to enhance what the lead tip has written. Often, the lead tip will make suggestions of his own as to how he wants something interpreted visually. This method works very well for us, we practice with the side corps all the time, we learn the scores in our head, know each other's parts and are a close team, not only on the field, but off.

[KJacksonCapp]

I (bass) put together 95% of the scores for our bass section. There is no set formula for us - that is to say piano forte/forte method etc. - there is constant rhythm and fluorishing throughout a tune or selection but in a tasteful fashion. Rhythms are complex and require good concentration and an excellent, intimate sense for the music from the other two sections. A lot of creative license is given to our swinging tenors with one imperative - make it interesting, unique and it cannot compromise the rhythm. Also early in the practise season or at points during the regular season, our P/M and L/D have constructive comments or ideas where they wish more or less stress either rhythmically, swingingly and from an ensemble perspective. It seems to work for us and we have a blast doing it.

Kahlil

[Celtic Mitch]

Kahlil, it seemed to more than work for you at the Worlds! Congrats on a job well done for your bass section!

I think your formula does work! :wink:

[Mike Cole]

Originally posted by KJacksonCapp:
.... It seems to work for us and we have a blast doing it.

Kahlil Hey Kahlil,
"...seems to work ?!?" :wow: I guess so, mate! Congratulations to you and the crew on your World title!!! :hatoff:
Mike

[KJacksonCapp]

Mike and Mitch,

Thanks.

Kahlil