Name: Totem
Brand: Drumfield Designs
SKU: VA-015D

A Battery Percussion Exercise focusing on Triplet Rolls & Phrasing

Totem

Fundamentals

Battery Percussion

Intermediate

Drumfield Designs

$10

This publication is featured in Drumline Fundamentals II

Release Date: 2020-05-02

SKU: VA-015D / Release Date: 2020-05-02

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Runtime: 1:43

This exercise serves firstly as a triplet roll builder. It covers every single triplet roll partial and combination in a typical check-part sequence, which then leads to a section focused on full roll dynamics and phrasing (something that’s commonly found in our writing).

The first variation emphasizes single-drum rolls before moving into around-the-drums patterns. “Totem” clearly cycles through all triplet roll placements, giving players a systematic approach to triplet-based roll vocabulary. Later sections explore dynamic shaping with crescendos and controlled releases, simulating the phrasing demands in competitive material. The ensemble textures also highlight voice-leading between sections, making this exercise valuable both technically and musically.
Marching Snare Drum

Marching Tenor Drums (2 Spocks)

Marching Bass Drums (5 Drums)
Score & Parts (PDF)

Audio: Standard/Click Tracks (Lossless & MP3)
Battery Percussion: Zachary L. Brumfield