CADRE Rope Drum Ensemble

February, 2006

CADRE’s Rope Drum Performance Ensemble initiative is now complete. It will be based in Toronto - forming part of the local CADRE Heritage Hands Drum Club – and will be facilitated by Fred Johnson; assisted by Ed Jacko.

OBJECTIVES

Create a high level Fife & Drum Performance Ensemble that will incorporate:

The ongoing evolution of the rudimental art form from ancient, through to contemporary domestic and international Fife & Drum compositions.

Five major components make up the ensemble's repertoire:

Three systems are incorporated and Performers are required to become proficient in all three.

OVERALL MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

An ability and commitment to:

Interested Drummers are welcome to apply through an audition process managed by the Ensemble Facilitators and the Ensemble members.

UNIFORM

CADRE Red Polo Shirts, black pants, black socks and shoes. White leather slings.

INSTRUMENTATION

The instruments played are the personal property and investment of the CADRE Rope Drum Ensemble Members. CADRE neither owns, nor supplies any instrumentation.

The group’s common objective in acquiring their personal instruments was to have a “matched” set of rope drums – both in overall design and quality of sound.

Some Applicants may currently own a good rope drum that provides comparable sound quality – but not the matching cosmetics. However – and possibly unfortunately - the goal of a “matched” set of drums is an important one to our Members (in some cases a particular, quality instrument could be modified to match the CADRE Members’ drums e.g. change of hoop colour).
If an Applicant doesn’t own a suitable rope drum at present, we can provide recommended specifications for either snare or bass drums that match the drums we currently use.

Cooperman: (16 x 18" snare drums; 14 x 24” bass drums – and larger).
Additional specifications upon request e.g. light Maple shells, black rims, white ropes, black ears; emblazonry of personal family crests is encouraged.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

RUDIMENTAL BASS DRUM

Nick Attanasio – world class authority on Rudimental Drum technique - has generously 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 the Ensemble’s Authours 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.

FIFE

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 not only to perform whenever possible, but also to provide fife instruction.CADRE’s “Great Performers Series”
This new program creates a way to feature talented guest drummers in CADRE public performances.

“Great Performers” rudimental drummer(s) may be either currently playing in an organization, or may not have a current performance outlet for their talents.

Drummers will be introduced at CADRE performances as Special Guests of CADRE – part of CADRE’s new “Great Performers Series”.
The benefits are to add prestige, and to enhance the reputations of Guest Performers and CADRE alike.
Selections may be made from the following repertoire:

Traditional
1. 3 Camps
2. Army 2/4
3. Biddy Oats
4. The General
5. Connecticut Halftime
6. The Downfall of Paris
7. Dixie
8. Devil's Flute
Contemporary
9. Liverpoole
10. Prussia Variations
11. Thunder & Lightning
12. Crazy Army 2/4
13. West Point Half Time
14. Tribute To Doctor Berger
15. Deep River Street Parade
16. CADRE “Rudimental Classics”

Guidelines:

Drummers who wish to participate in CADRE’s “Great Performers Series” are requested to:
1. Pre-register their request to perform with CADRE (Fred Johnson or Ed Jacko)
2. Discuss and specify the repertoire they would like to perform
3. Learn the music (can be provided). Sheet music may be used in performance
4. Attend at least one rehearsal and be able to perform at a competent level
5. Provide their own instrument(s) i.e. snare or bass drum

N.B.
o The “Great Performers Series” is not a “jam session”. These are performances that are rehearsed and structured both in their nature and style of play. It’s awkward – and unfair to all concerned - to accommodate “walk-ons”.
Drummers interested in either the CADRE Rope Drum Performance Ensemble or the CADRE “Great Performers” series are encouraged to contact:

Fred Johnson
o 613 279-2029
o johnson@frontenac.net

Ed Jacko
o 416 512-7595
o esjacko@rogers.com

Rope Concert repertoire

Fife & Drum ConcertDrum ConcertAdditional Solos1. CADRE Drum Ensemble Intro
2. British Grenadiers
3. CADRE Rope Drum Solo 1
4. The Girl I Left Behind Me
5. Heritage Hands* – letters A, B, C & D
6. Drowsy Maggie
7. Rondeau
8. Rudimental Bass Drums Solo
9. Hell On The Wabash
10. Johnny Cope
11. Kingdom Coming
12. I’s The B’y
13. Camp CADRE Reveille

*N.B. additional sections of Heritage Hands to be added over time.

Traditional
14. 3 Camps
15. Army 2/4
16. Biddy Oats
17. The General
18. Connecticut Halftime
19. The Downfall of Paris
20. Dixie
21. Devil's Flute
Contemporary
22. Liverpoole
23. Prussia Variations
24. Thunder & Lightning
25. Crazy Army 2/4
26. West Point Half Time
27. Tribute To Doctor Berger
28. Deep River Street ParadeCADRE I&E Groups
29. Warming Up Hot!
30. Kelly’s Dragoons
31. Drum Buds
32. “…boy in a red shirt”
33. Tribute to Alfons Grieder
34. Storm King Blockbuster
35. CADRE Rud. Classics
36. Songs of Peace & Freedom

… plus Individual solos, Duets, Trios, Quartets, etc.

… also, Cadre’s

“ Great Performers” guest artist series - common solos selected from the Drum Concert repertoire.