The Snare Drum Roll

Abstract

Like most other percussion instruments, the snare drum was introduced relatively late in the symphonic orchestra, and major changes and improvements concerning its playing techniques are still taking place. One of the most distinctive aspects of the snare drum is the roll, which consists of a challenge that most percussionists face eventually during their career. This project reflects my research on the snare drum roll during the last two years, gives a short background of snare drum playing and its technical development, and provides observations and reflections of different techniques to play a roll. As a percussionist myself, I analyzed and practiced on the execution of rolls as part of the research. This project includes notes on my interpretation of four orchestral excerpts, showing how technical development and control over the roll open musical possibilities to the orchestral percussionist.