My initial post wasn't necessarily about developing my stroke as you and Rattamatat have described. I had begun working throught stick control with the goal of developing better dynamic control, stick control "in general" (i.e. improving and learning new sticking patterns) and improving my time using a metronome. Without ever having taken any one on one lessons, I wasn't aware of the different techniqes to develop different skills. So the original post reflected what I did know which is (apparently) a playing technique. In marching band in high shool I never learned this. We always practiced using a regular playing technique (not that my high school band experience is the final word by any means).

It seems to me that what has been established here as strictly a playing technique, one could also practice with this technique on the practice pad using Stick Control (or any such excercises). Or would this be a waste? Is the purpose of Stick Control specifically for developing one's stroke using the practice technique we have been discussing? If one wants to specifically develop one's stroke (as you have said Sidereal), then the practice technique desribed in this thread would be used. If one wants to develop other aspects as I have described above in this post, then perhaps a playing technique would be employed. Or, would one be developing all of these aspects simultaneously using the practice technique?

 

I find it remarkable, after seeing so many excellent drummers using so many different techniques, that anyone would make claims about the the one and only proper way to play.

Doesn't it depend a lot on the particular drummer and the particular style of music?

Or is there really only one proper way to play the drums?

I know I arrived to this thread late, but don't stop now.

C'mon, there's got to be someone other than Rattamatatt who was taught this practice technique...

Ratamatatt,  Joe might apply this technique when playing full strokes at a slow tempo but what he doesn't do is base your practice routines around this technique. This technique might be applicable in limited situations but it is not something to strive for when working on excerises in Stick Control or  Accents and Rebounds. I can't remember that last time he mentioned to me working on full strokes where the stick return is perpendicular to the drum/pad or to be honest him ever mentioning this. This technique sounds like a Henry Adler style of playing which is contrary to the technique that Joe teaches and uses.

To say you that the  proper "ready" position generally is with the sticks straight up or as high as the tempo will allow in between strokes and the dynamics call is a misconception (of course different height requirements are used for different dynamic levels). Joe's teaching techniques allow the drummer to utilize an economy of motion by achieving the greatest dynamic range using the shortest stroke. This is done by using the forearm and elbow to play at louder dynamic levels and keeping the throw of the stroke short. IMHO, it is not a natural body movement to allow the stick return to a perpendicular position.

sidereal, there are definately different techniques for playing and Gary Chafee must be an excellent teacher based on the students he has produced, but yes, you definately can utilize your forearms and elbows. You are greatly limiting yourself if you are just using your wrists. Dom Famularo explains this in detail (he learned this technique from Joe) in his book, "It's Your Move", or pick up Joe's first video, "The Natural Approach to Technique". I would not kid you about this. Try to learn this technique if you can. It really works and will improve your chops a great deal. If it can work for me it can work for anyone.