PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE SCOTT BROWN

Normally a winter Sunday means sleeping in and having a lazy Sunday after going out on Saturday. But not this past Sunday, because field and pit percussion had to be at the Corps Hall at 11:00. There was some time for a quick cup of coffee and to meet Scott before starting the warm-up.

The rehearsal began with a simple eights exercise (the basic warm-up). Immediately the first tips and tricks about stick control were shared; this basic exercise was integrated in all the different parts and the theory behind a clean beat was taught. Also the endurance level of the members was tested thoroughly. Scott: “Pain in your arm? Then you that muscle and use it less or you train it more.” Scott teaches in a very relaxed way; you would almost believe that you could be a good drummer in two hours.

After a variety of basic exercises, many tips and tricks and many translations it was time for lunch with ‘frikandellen’ and ‘kroketten’ sandwiches. After lunch it was time to take a look at Movement 1. Fragment by fragment the music was handled. The main focus was on interpretation of the book and how the musicality could be improved. Exactly on schedule the tenors, snares and bass drums were done rehearsing this music piece. It was time to go in ensemble with the front ensemble who had spent the afternoon rehearsing with Paul Doop.

During the ensemble the piece was again played fragment by fragment. Everything fell into place and all the taught tips and tricks were taken into practice. At 16:30 some group photos were taken with Scott and the rehearsal came to an end.

Besides being Beatrix’ battery arranger, Scott Brown is co-author of the book “Field percussion”. He judged the World Music Contest and marched with Carolina Crown Drum & Bugle Corps.