A New Drumming Book from Dennis Johnson
Advanced Rudimental Etudes for Snare Drum – Book/DVD– by Dennis Johnson
With this latest book, Dennis Johnson offers us an exciting and challenging compilation of rudimental drum solos.
Yes, this is, as stated, an advanced collection; but there are some only moderately difficult pieces. One piece, "The Old Timer", which is dedicated all of those over 40, is an updated variation of old time traditional rudimental drum pieces and reminiscent of “The Downfall of Paris”, “Hell on the Wabash”, “The Connecticut Half-time” and others.
Dennis champions his flams – being well representative in all his etudes – especially (and obviously) in his, “You Want Flams With That?”
It’s a testament to Dennis Johnson’s creativity to be able to compose an interesting and technically helpful drum score using primarily, flams!
I also very much like his use of 32nd note duple (or triplet 16th note) entries into his paradiddles phrases – very effective and great exercise!
Some of the solos in this book are affectionately dedicated to Dennis’s family members: his wife – “The Porcelain Doll”, his son – “Solo for David”, his dad – “Kenny Boy”, friends and even his cats – “Three’s a Crowd” and “Katula”!
Dennis Johnson has spent the last two-and-a-half decades teaching and arranging for school bands throughout the State of Alabama. He studied music at Auburn University where he performed in marching band, wind ensemble, symphonic band, jazz band and the percussion ensemble.
He marched for the DCI drum and bugle corps, The Spirit of Atlanta, under Tom Float.
Dennis is now on the threshold of a new career as a drummer for stage bands in the popular theme parks of Tennessee.
Pop into your player the DVD included with Advanced Rudimental Etudes for Snare Drum and see, hear Dennis Johnson perform the contents of the book and then know why any orchestra in the country would fortunate to have him.
Best to you Dennis on your new life in Tennessee!
See also, Dennis Johnson’s previously published, Let’s Learn to Drum – an excellent beginning snare drummers’ instructor.
-Joe
