Tabula Rasa

A phrase meaning “clean slate” or “to start over”—the title reflects a pivotal moment during my time in high school drumline, when our ensemble essentially rebuilt itself from the ground up. This cadence embodies that sense of renewal, showcasing a fresh, groove-oriented character that stands apart from our earlier material. Written in 12/8, the piece weaves together driving rhythmic patterns with intricate inner figures, creating a blend of accessibility and complexity that captures both energy and refinement.

"Cleaning Lady?"

Written as a high-energy chop-out piece, this one is designed to push players both technically and physically. With its brisk tempo and demanding passages, it leans toward the more challenging end of this collection. The writing features rapid double strokes and intricate paradiddle-based patterns, requiring precision, endurance, and control, making it an ideal exercise for building strength and consistency.

This Is America

This one draws its inspiration from the distinctive outro kick pattern in Childish Gambino’s well-known track of the same name. That rhythmic idea serves as the foundation of the cadence, establishing the initial groove that drives the piece forward. From this starting point, the writing expands outward, layering additional voices and textures to create a cadence that is both grounded in its source material and developed into something uniquely its own.

I Love It

Lastly, we shift the pace by slowing things down while still leaning heavily into the groove-oriented side of this collection. Despite the more relaxed tempo, the writing remains physically engaging, featuring rapid double strokes and paradiddle-based passages that challenge players’ control and consistency. To add another layer of character, the cadence is set to the track by Kanye West and Lil’ Pump, giving it a recognizable rhythmic backdrop and a playful sense of attitude.