Helpful Marching Percussion Techniques Part 4: 

Snare Drum Technique - The Playing Position

 by Rich Viano

The playing position is the one of the most important issues when addressing uniformity of technique.  All strokes start and stop at this specific location.  When you are being judged, this specific portion of technique is the most noticeable, because it can be observed from any location.  Any judge in the press box, bleachers or on the field can get an accurate sample.  When I am judging, I look for uniformity in the playing position first. You can narrow down a lot of playing errors based on a drum line’s approach to this specific technique.  Let’s break it down and define two major areas.   

Posture: 

Stand up straight.  Keeping the upper body tall not only looks more appealing, but also facilitates better upper body control. The playing position is a “home” base. Keeping the drum still and level while we play is crucial. It is impossible to get a group of players sounding consistent if the drums are bouncing around. Developing uniformity requires all elements of technique to be executed consistently by each and every performer. It is also important to take the time to adjust the carriers, harnesses, straps etc., etc. so they keep the drums as close to level as mechanically possible.  When you have an ensemble of similar height, adjust the height of the snare drums so the ensemble is completely level.  Obviously, adjust the drum heights to the comfort of the players when you have a variety in height.  As a reference, you can use the width of five fingers below the belly button as a point of positioning.  Again, I stress the importance of approaching technique with the player’s comfort as a high priority. Treat posture with an extreme sense of urgency.  Your kids will see and hear the results of the special attention you pay to posture. 

Stick and Arm Positioning:

After I have defined the grip, (Helpful Marching Percussion Techniques Part 2: The Snare Drum Grip) I have the kids put the sticks in their hands and rest their arms at their sides naturally.  I want to stress the word naturally.  Any stress in the hands and body created by a technique choice will most definitely prevent you from advancing to your student’s true potential.  With their arms at their sides, the body naturally lets the elbow lay close to the body without actually touching it.  Keep in mind; different body types may have the elbow lying directly against the body. You will always have to evaluate your approach to technique on local (individual) and global (ensemble) levels. Next, have the kids raise their arms, bending at the elbow only.  Place the sticks on the head. In most cases, you will see instant definition within the ensemble.  Don’t be fooled by lines that use extreme angular approach.  Use yourself as a guinea pig. Set your hands in all the positions you’re interested in and evaluate its relationship to feeling natural and relaxed.    

Setting the sticks has a few variables.  Depending on your personal taste, you can adjust stick positions several ways.  It’s safe to start with the beads together as close as possible without touching each other, in the center of the drumhead. I have my kids spread their sticks approximately 93 to 95 degrees apart, pivoting at the beads. You don’t want to spread your sticks so far they cause the arms to rise and you don’t want them so close together they cause the arms to press into the body. Find the most natural position.

I have the kids keep a ¼” distance between the beads and the drumhead.  I also use two fingers to set the distance between the rim and the back end of the stick.  Once you set this position, notice the relationship between the position of the sticks and the tension rods. For example: the right hand is directly over the tension rod and the left hand is just to the outside of the tension rods.  My point is, give your kids a visual reference.  Let them look down at their hands in the beginning so they can correct themselves. 

In conclusion: 

One more bit of information I will share with you is my secret ingredient: Empowerment. Give the students ownership. Teach them to teach themselves. Most kids, especially high school aged, are in the most independent minded times of their lives. Use their independence as a tool. Get them to care about their personal efforts and reward them with encouragement whenever you notice improvement. The positive energy will keep them coming back for more. It will also strengthen the student teacher relationship. This will in turn allow you to be a more effective teacher because they will trust and respect you.  

As always, good luck and good drumming. 

Rich Viano

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