Orchestral Snare Drum Lesson - Delécluse #1

Here is a lesson about playing orchestral style snare drum.
For demonstration material I am using the Jacques Delécluse Etude #1 from his well known book Twelve Studies for Snare Drum.
After performing the etude with a metronome I discuss the differences between Rudimental and Orchestral snare styles and show you the drum, heads and sticks I use. I also show you how to execute ruffs, drags, rolls and flams in the orchestral style.
Wrist technique is discussed as well as how to achieve proper dynamic control. I finish up with a performance of the etude without a metronome.
The drum I am using is a Pearl Philharmonic Special Edition maple 5"x 14" drum with curly, steel and cable snares.
I am using a calf head made by the Lefima company.
The drum is slightly muffled with a small piece of leather.
The sticks I am using are Leopardwood with a small barrel tip which I make.
If you are interested in some of these contact me at [e-mail]

[@ckr430]

Rick you are such a well rounded Percussionist. You have truly masted the craft.

[@Tonyclaret1]

Hello mr Rick, bravo !!!
Very good your class on Delecleuse # 1. I played 12 years in the Symphony Orchestra and I remember the Vic Firth snare drum ètude # 1, I used it a lot in auditions.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@rondeangelis7384]

Wow rick very informative. styles, what to play, how to play, difference in rudimental and orchestral 👌

[@Joethedrummer]

This is wonderful. I don't know anything about orchestral snare drumming and found that fascinating.

[@ocgarza1742]

I play for a small orchestra ensemble and this video was perfect for me. Look forward to the next 11 lessons. Thanks for sharing your expertise Rick!

[@rickdior]

Thanks OC
Making your sticks today

[@ocgarza1742]

@@rickdior Can’t wait to try them out!

[@ezequieldonnianni]

Excelente explicación e interpretación! (como no se ingles usé el traductor automático, algunas cosas suenan graciosas pero se entiende) Muchas gracias por compartir ésto! Saludos desde Argentina!!

[@DDieni]

Hi Rick- thanks for your beautiful playing and the Delécluse lesson! I've a question for etude1: On line 6 there's a figure carried over the bar line for over 3 bars. Do you count this all in 6? I've played it counting in 3 + 4, then returning to 6/8 in the last bar of that line. Just wondering if you feel a certain method brings better results. Thanks!

[@rickdior]

Hi David
I try to feel all of the 8th notes so that it is perfectly even. You do need to phase it so that each motif is exactly the same while building in volume. It is an over the bar line phrase so it can be tricky. Make sure you play it slow and record yourself so that you can analyze your playing

[@DDieni]

@@rickdior Thanks Rick!

[@tommcmichael8679]

Why do so many orchestral drummers use match grip and not traditional? It there a control issue?

[@rickdior]

In the old days, most orchestra players used traditional. As matched grip was taught more and more in the 90s in music schools it became more common to use that grip.
Traditional grip is more difficult to teach and learn but if you can master it, it works just fine.
I use both grips.

[@ThePingCam]

Will you do the rest of them please Rick 😂

[@rickdior]

Eventually....I have a lot going on right now and unfortunately the audience is limited for these great solos.

[@asor8037]

@@rickdior I second this. Thank you for the great work.