tenor drum
This is the drum that fills in the middle tones in a pipe band. Unlike the snare drums which are all pitched the same, the tenor drums can be pitched to various notes on the chanter scale. This allows the tenors to add a melodic and stereophonic aspect to the drum corps. The baritone tenor drum is usually pitched the same as the bass drone on the bagpipes. Additional drums can be pitched a 3rd and 5th above the bass drone or other various notes on the chanter scale to best accompany the music. Pipe bands can have two types of tenor drummers:
A rhythm tenor drummer focuses on rhythmic beating which compliments the music. A rhythm tenor drummer usually plays within a pattern framework (for example, hard, soft, medium, soft) that helps set the groove for the band. I liken it to playing the bass guitar in a rock band. A vital part of the rhythm section, it also adds groove, melody, depth and syncopation to a drum corps that would otherwise come off a bit tinny and straight.
A flourishing tenor drummer does fancy swings or flourishes with their mallets which visually compliment the music. A flourishing tenor drummer also plays rhythmic beatings which fill in the overall ensemble sound. The flourishing tenors are the most visual component of the band. Most spectators are naturally drawn to watching the flourishing tenors since, unlike the other members of the band who stand relatively still whilst playing, they represent the music visually through flourishing.
The best tenor drummers can flourish and play seamlessly to compliment the pipe music both melodically and visually. It is more common now for all tenor drummers to play intricate drum scores whilst flourishing.
Tenor drummers are usually a tight knit bunch. Unlike snare drummers who all basically play the same score, tenors play a palette of different pitched drums in a sequential flow to create a complete sound. Flourishing also has to be closely coordinated and choreographed to represent various movements in the melody. Using a strong sense of rhythm and movement, the tenor corps provides a dynamic sound and vision to the band.
PRICE: UPDATE: Not currently taking new students at this time. Please check back!
A rhythm tenor drummer focuses on rhythmic beating which compliments the music. A rhythm tenor drummer usually plays within a pattern framework (for example, hard, soft, medium, soft) that helps set the groove for the band. I liken it to playing the bass guitar in a rock band. A vital part of the rhythm section, it also adds groove, melody, depth and syncopation to a drum corps that would otherwise come off a bit tinny and straight.
A flourishing tenor drummer does fancy swings or flourishes with their mallets which visually compliment the music. A flourishing tenor drummer also plays rhythmic beatings which fill in the overall ensemble sound. The flourishing tenors are the most visual component of the band. Most spectators are naturally drawn to watching the flourishing tenors since, unlike the other members of the band who stand relatively still whilst playing, they represent the music visually through flourishing.
The best tenor drummers can flourish and play seamlessly to compliment the pipe music both melodically and visually. It is more common now for all tenor drummers to play intricate drum scores whilst flourishing.
Tenor drummers are usually a tight knit bunch. Unlike snare drummers who all basically play the same score, tenors play a palette of different pitched drums in a sequential flow to create a complete sound. Flourishing also has to be closely coordinated and choreographed to represent various movements in the melody. Using a strong sense of rhythm and movement, the tenor corps provides a dynamic sound and vision to the band.
PRICE: UPDATE: Not currently taking new students at this time. Please check back!
