01 Jan 1977
C H A R A N G A STYLE C O W B E L L B R A C K E T - For many years, there has been a different way of m o u n t i n g a cowbell on Timbales, but only a few have known about i t . I t is a Cuban s t y l e of p l a y i n g t h e cowbell and t r a d i t i o n a l l y used a sponge rubber ball for a f f i x i n g t h e handle of t h e cowbell to t h e rim of the Timbales, w i t h t h e open end of t h e bell resting on t h e head. This style of cowbell playing emits a rich, b e a u t i f u l sound as it is not only the cowbell you hear, but t h e cowbell in concert with the head. This new bracket from Latin Percussion, Inc. accomplishes t h e same result w i t h added benefits. To begin w i t h , the cowbell is f i r m l y fixed in place and does not "walk" over the head of the drum while being played. Second of a l l , t h e bell can be quickly swung out of place leaving the heads free for solo work and s t i l l keep the bell accessible w h i l e soloing.
The latest additions to the "Olympic by Premier" m i l i t a r y range are two metal-shell snare drums. The 1050 is 14 x 10" (35 x 25cm) and the 1 0 5 2 is 14 x 12" (35 x 30cm). The shells (and all other metal parts)
are finished in gleaming, bright chromium plate and the drums are complete w i t h carrying hook. E v e r p l a y - E x t r a snare and parade b a t t e r heads, and adjustable bottomsnare mechanism w i t h conventional throw-off. Top snares can be f i l l e d int e r n a l l y as a special extra, to order.
R U D I M E N T A L SYMPOSIUM (continued from page 14) 4. Try to start most rolls with right stick.
Did you notice, all of these rules state the words "try to"? As the student progresses, he will take exception to these rules, because of the tempo or character of the music. Some players might call this a right hand predominate method since the left hand is somewhat neglected. This is true in a way, but the conductor of a symphony could care less about your left hand. He's concerned with precision, balance, nuance and consistency of sound. A surgeon would not operate on a patient one day with his right hand and perform the next operation with his left, just to give his left hand exercise, as he could not do his best work with his weaker hand. And, so, we must use the stronger hand which nature provided us with, to do our finest precision work. The weaker hand acts as a labor hand, helping the stronger hand. The teacher must, of course, give special exercises for the student's weaker hand to build it up. Mr. Straight challenged the rudimental system of drumming and its nomenclature. His methodology was a highly controversial issue. Today, both systems stand as testimonials to the needs drummers have in satisfying various phases of performance.