Mini-Episode 6 – Wilcoxon Solo #9
Once again we are back with “Accountability Thursday”. This is our first episode using the Wilcoxon “All American Drummer 150 Rudimental Solos”. We’ve worked from the Swing Solos book previously but this is our first time working in the 150.
I chose solo #9 because it uses several proprietary Wilcoxon notations that are not commonly found in other rudimental methods. One thing that helps with his interpretation is that Wilcoxon specifies the required stickings on every single note of the solo. This allows him to highlight specific rudiments that he wants to use in each solo.
The first thing to notice is the different notations for the seven stroke roll. The introductory roll-off is a seven stroke ternary roll. That style of seven is the preferred and most common way to interpret 8th note rolls in most rudimental literature. We’ve seen it numerous times in previous NARD solos and you’ll use this particular roll three times in the first line alone. The ternary seven stroke is used a total of five times throughout the entire piece.
Wilcoxon also uses a binary seven stroke roll. It appears first in the third line, last measure. You’ll notice that he notates that roll with two grace notes prior to the 8th note on the ‘& of 2’. You’ll start that roll on the ‘e of 2’ and roll 32nd notes ending on count one of the following measure. You’ll see this same grace note style notation on the 15 stroke roll in the third line, third measure. Again, start that roll on the ‘e of 1’ and roll 32nd notes over to count one of the next measure.
Another tricky place that may need some clarification is the third line, second measure. Pay attention to the stickings because the drags do not start on the expected hands! The measure begins with a single stroke, accented R, immediately afterward the notated left handed drag forces you to play grace notes on the right when you might expect a L.
Also notice the fourth line, first measure. Wilcoxon notates the 8th note rolls as five stroke rolls (not seven stroke rolls). However with the two alternating accents that follow the doubles they actually become six stroke rolls.
For further clarification click here and visit the Youtube video to view the sheet music and see a performance of Wilcoxon Solo #9.
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