MacRaeDrumming.com

The Lightbulb

Webmaster — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 13:26:51 +0000

There are times when I start feeling as though I’m not getting through. But then this amazing thing happens, I call it the lightbulb. I can see it in a student’s eyes, and smile, when they finally get it. A cartoon lightbulb shines above their head.? This is one of the reasons I love teaching beginners. It is a great feeling seeing someone achieve anything, and especially something I love doing. Beginning drummers get the biggest lightbulb! Everytime I see this lightbulb I remember why I keep teaching, and it pushes me on for another day.?

Two left feet and no beat

Webmaster — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 16:34:43 +0000

Check out this interesting new study on having rhythm.

Sad news

Webmaster — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 23:52:31 +0000

Heather (Ramina) Legener, tenor drummer for the Washington Scottish Pipe Band passed away last week. May she rest in peace and continue flourishing always.

Congrats to BC Indoor winners

Webmaster — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 16:03:45 +0000

Alexis tied for aggregate in grade 2 tenor.

Marissa came in a close second with 2 1sts and 2 3rds.

Good job to all who competed.? On to WPA and summer games!

In the box

Webmaster — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 19:06:12 +0000

In teaching tenor drummers I have always taught an in-the-box style to beginners.

In the box means, draw a box at chest level, or where an under swing of the basic flourishes would be, to the outside of the head, where an outside would be, to the top of the head, a flattop, and draw a line down the middle of the head, inside swing. All double handed flourishes can be taken from these basic swings, if they are learned in the proper arm settings, they look cleaner and more precise.

This style teaches them control, arm position and sets them up to go out of the box when they are ready.

Congats to Morgan

Webmaster — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 18:42:54 +0000

Morgan received a 2nd in intermediate bass at Winter Storm this year in Kansas City.

Congrats to him and his very supportive family, thank you for the years I have had the pleasure of teaching such an amazing drummer and person.

And thank you to the piper, Alexander, and drummer, Amber, who made it possible for him to compete, without you there is nothing to keep in time.

Non-flourishing tenors

Webmaster — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 18:36:14 +0000

What’s the thought on non-flourishing tenor drummers?

I’ve been putting tenors who don’t flourish out since I started teaching. I believe they should be drummers first, it matters what they sound like, and then what they look like.

So what about beginning tenors? I would put them out to play and add to the corps sound, without flourishing, if they are a decent drummer, but haven’t quite gotten the flourishing.? But I still push them to be flourishing tenors if that’s what they start out wanting to be.

What about beginner bass drummers?? If they want to be a bass drummer, I would put them out as a non-flourishing tenor, if I can. To teach them idioms, style and Scottish music first.

What about side drummers playing as non-flourishing tenors? I’m okay with that. They are drummers and again, add to the sound of the corps.

And are there non-flourishing tenors who never want to flourish and don’t fit into these categories? I’m sure there are, I have never had one in my corps, but I wouldn’t turn them away. They could do non-swinging flourishes, or arm motions, to add to the visual, but mostly they would add to the sound which is most important.

Flourishing Challenge

Webmaster — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 21:18:03 +0000

Building strength in tenors.

Not my idea, but my tenors have been challenged to do one flourish above their head for more than 5 minutes. The tenor to go the longest gets a prize!

New classes start this Thursday

Webmaster — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 15:54:56 +0000

Interested in piping or drumming? The NWJPB ‘Pipe Band Kids’ lesson program starts a new beginner session on Thursday October 7th at Shorecrest High School. For more info contact Invite your friends, repost!

Flourish or Perish Merchandise now for SALE!!

Webmaster — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 18:57:10 +0000

The first round of “Flourish or Perish” merchandise is now for sale. Get yours!!

We are working on new artwork so subscribe so you will know when we have new items for sale.