N.Y.S.S.M.A.

Drum Set Requirements

(Perform piece from manual, Sight-reading, demonstrate grooves & Improvisation)
1. Provide your own drum set with a maximum of 5 drums and minimum of 4 drums
(2 tom toms, bass drum, snare drum) ride and crash cymbals plus hi-hat, both
with brushes and sticks are required)
2. Improvisation:
Level II: In a style chosen by performer, play 4 measures of time followed by 2
measures of solo.
Level III-IV: In a style chosen by adjudicator, play 4 measures of time followed
by 2 measures of solo.
Level V-VI: In a style chosen by adjudicator, play 4 measures of time followed by
2 measures of solo.
Also play an extended solo for 30 seconds.
3. A solo from the graded drum set solo list in the manual. If the solo uses a tape or
CD you must supply the stereo player and source of music. Make sure the
volume can be adjusted loud enough where you and the judge can hear the
music over your playing. (Using monitor earphones is helpful.)
4. Sight-reading.
Level II - III: A written part, 8 measures long, to be played as written
Level IV - VI: A 16 measure selection that will include parts to be played as
written and areas requiring solo fills and set-ups.
5. Demonstrate basic proficiency in performing various styles of rock/ funk, swing
and Latin.
Level II - IV: Demonstrate time (quarter note equals 80-120) in rock/funk, swing
and latin. Each demonstrated by playing 4 measures of time.
Level V - VI: Demonstrate time (quarter note equals 80-200) in rock/funk, swing
and latin (salsa/cuban, samba, bossa nova), jazz waltz, and ballad (with
brushes). Each demonstrated by playing 4 measures of time.

Definition of Drum Set Styles

Swing- The student can comp on the S.D. to add interest. The performer must produce
a round as compared to a square rock feel.
Funk/Rock- The drum set part involves playing eighth notes or various eighth
note/sixteenth note patterns on the hi-hat/ride cymbal. The snare drum most often plays
2 and 4 with the bass drum playing rhythmical melodies enhancing the bass line. Funk
style has the snare drum doing more interaction with the bass drum line.
Bossa Nova- A Brazilian style felt in four where the drum set plays the role of the Latin
percussion section. The snare drum can play syncopated variations to the above
pattern.
Samba- A Brazilian style felt in two where the drum set plays the role of the Latin
percussion section. Many variations from this figure are possible.
Salsa/Cuban- Salsa is a generic term for a style of music dealing with everyday issues,
not a specific beat pattern as many people think. The Cuban born style includes many
different beats and has the drum set player playing the role of the Latin percussion
section. The soloist may be asked to demonstrate his/her knowledge of the following:
Guaguanco (wo-wan-ko), Mozambique, Songo, Cascara, or Afro-Cuban6/8 Style.
Jazz Waltz- A swing felt in three. The performer must produce a round triplet feel and is
free to vary the patterns as long as the groove stays steady.
Ballad (brushes)- The role of the drummer is to keep a slow, steady pulse with a triplet
feel. Implied double time is encouraged after original ballad feel is fully established.