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The
French Drum has several notable features:
-
a long tradition, mainly military (it is called
also "Military Drum") but use become
much more varied, with a constantly evolving
repertoire, either as part of musical groups,
or by providing of original works only for
drums from a growing number of composers -
a complex technique also changing bases made
rhythmic and combinations called "rudiments"
and "coups" in France, usually designated
by an onomatopoeia -
a teaching longer remained purely oral or
written based on empirical, become methodical
since the mid-20th century (clear books, precise
and rigorous analysis: "Le Tambour d'Ordonnance"
volumes No. 1 & No. 2, by Robert Goute).
Whe
must add that the drum is often not even considered
as a musical instrument in its own right,
that his comprehensive education is not taught
in conservatories, which occurs in many forms,
significant differences (hardware , positions
and gestures, degree of sophistication) of
a country or a region of the world. In
addition, the drum is an instrument that is
expressed usually in a group, this group either
alone or it is part of an instrumental ensemble.
This
is a fundamental difference compared to most
other instruments of the percussion family. |
THE
INSTRUMENT
The French
Drum has evolved over history. There
are now models also sometimes called "parade"
and often inspired American (clamping rods
or shells, metallic wire), which are poorly
suited to the technical and French repertoire,
two main models. 1°
- The "Military Drum", with: -
clamping rope made hemp or synthetic, wooden
heads and eleven tightening straps in leather
-
metal body (copper, brass or stainless steel)
diameter 381 mm. (fifteen inches) and deepness
205 mm.-
natural bowels wires, consisting of two or
four strands, with trigger -
for current use synthetic
skin, which replace the natural
skins (see roulage)
(in calf or goat) that we prefer, however,
under appropriate conditions, such as to play
indoors. 2°
- This model being replaced increasingly by
the Drum "high" with a body 305
mm. deep in various materials (light metal,
wood, synthetic resin) and in all other points
similar to Military Drum described above.
This
latter type of Drum, more aesthetic and better
suited to walking and providing a higher resonant
volume tends to spread. |
The
sticks
The
choice of sticks is obviously of primary importance.
Prefer
the sticks without metal tip, less fragile
and generally better balanced. There
are of course different styles and forms,
but generally the length is between 410 and
430 mm. , the main diameter near 18 mm. ,
that of the olive near 15 mm. Avoid
using sticks too light : a weight of between
75 and 85 grams is satisfactory and recommended.
For
(very) young students, there are sticks a
little shorter, thin and light. Be careful
to switch to sticks "adult" as soon
as the morphology permits. |
The
silent drum
The
Drum sound is naturally strong, so it is often
useful to work on a silent drum. Courses
are facilitated, especially when they are
collective, the comments of Professor can
be done without stop the execution, with more
comfort. It
is important however to beat regularly on
the "real" Drum, to get used to
always different touch to his work (this is
particularly true for example for the roll),
sound of the effects, attitude, gesture and
of course for playing and marching. There
are two types: -
which consists of a buffer attached to a belt
left knee, which is sitting practice-
the "pad" silent drum adjustable
practicable seated or standing-up, which is
best for the sound (do not choose a model
too "silent", making hard work of
expression) and especially by the position
similar to the real Drum. |
Maintenance
and settings
The
frame of mind and the quality of the performer
are a reflection of care to maintain the appearance
and ensure the sound of his instrument. We
shall careful of course about cleanliness
of the Drum. Teardown
made from time to time will clean inaccessible
parts. It may take the opportunity to change
the position of skins (rotated 120 ° for
example). It
is always preferable to relax the Drum after
each use. For
giving the tension, we tight on the straps,
regularly and moderately, in two rounds (per
one has two). The French Drum sound is deep,
grave without excess. The search for a sound
too clear by a high tension generally leads
to a decrease in the volume. We
choose and settle on the wires for a fully
effective since the lowest "piano"
to "forte" the most important. |
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Ph.V.
1996-07-14 |
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