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
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













