Rope Drum Ensemble

This CADRE undertaking is in its final stages of completion. The objective is to create a high-level performance group to demonstrate:

• Historical and international Fife & Drum compositions.
• Current and ongoing evolution of this art form.
• Potential of historical and modern rope drum repertoires as integral components of modern field drumming.
  

Three major components make up the ensemble's music library:

1. Concert of approximately ten minutes played with both fifes and drums.
2. Second concert of drum solos performed without fife.
3. Portfolio of additional drum solos, and/or fife and drum compositions that can be incorporated into the above.
   

The initial repertoires are:

Instrumentation will consist of rope-tensioned snare drum, rudimental bass drum and concert bass drum.

Notation will comprise three systems;

1. Traditional
2. Modern
3. Monolinear

CADRE performers will benefit from a proficiency in all notation systems.

CADRE’s first Rope Drum Performance Ensemble initiative will be based in Toronto - forming part of the local Heritage Hands Drum Club.

Membership requirements are an ability and commitment to:

1. Learn the drum scores “on your own” with a minimum of personal assistance.
2. Attend the schedule of rehearsals in Toronto (or as otherwise specified).
3. Play the parts at a public performance level so that get-togethers are “rehearsals” vs. “practices”.
4. Either own, or have access to, a rope drum in good condition.
5. Obtain Membership in CADRE Heritage Hands – Toronto + payment of club dues

Acknowledgements:

• Nick Attanasio – world class authority on Rudimental Drum technique - has provided CADRE with his "Symbols for Rudimental Bass Drumming" which set-out and describe the various hand and arm movements typically used in North America for this art form. Nick also worked with Fred Johnson on the selection of some fife and drum tunes and the construction of most of the rudimental bass drum parts. Nick is a long-time friend of CADRE and we look forward to his continuing collaboration with CADRE drum groups.
  
  
• Brent McLaren – professional musician and historical music authority - from Perth Ontario, has been involved with the historical selections which reflect Canadian, European and American influence. Brent will continue to work with CADRE and has agreed to perform on fife whenever possible.
  
  
• Rope Drum Performance Ensemble Facilitators are Fred Johnson and Doug Kleinhans.

Please note:

Rehearsal schedules, locations, times, etc., will be posted on the CADRE Web Site.
Anyone interested in performing with the group should contact Fred Johnson or Doug Kleinhans – coordinates are listed on the CADRE site.

Comments or feedback: pete.mosley@gmail.com

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