DRUMMER CAFE

These are required audition pieces for our upcoming audtion and I was wondering if their were tips or ideas for dynamics or general playing of the musis to improve it's musicality.

The Connecticut Halftime as it was notated in the old J. Burns Moore book has no dynamic markings.  Wilcoxen's Solo No. 4 lacks dynamics as well.  Because of this, I would place emphasis on the accents - making sure that they stand out above all other notes. 

The Connecticut Halftime is a very long piece.  It starts simply and ends with ratamacue   combinations.  Make sure you don't start too fast or else the end sections may not be as clean.  Make sure that you do not speed up.  This is a common mistake when performing this piece. 

In Solo No. 4, make sure the accents in the last 4 measures are played precisely and at a consistent volume, especially the double left in the third to last measure.

In both solos, strive for exact doubles from the rolls.  Practice the pieces on multiple surfaces to better analyze your technique.

Jeff