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| SNARE DRUM SOLOS: | |
| The Broad Run Jump by Steve Kastuck Grade 3 | $4.00 |
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The creative use of dynamics and
rhythms enhance this interesting, challenging and enjoyable snare
drum solo written for the beginningintermediate student. The
ample use of five-stroke, seven-stroke, nine-stroke, thirteen-stroke,
fifteen-stroke, and whole note rolls, will afford the soloist
an opportunity to demonstrate their rolling ability. Rolls can
be played as typical rudimental "double-bounce" for the younger
performer and as closed "concert-style" for the more advanced
player. Sticking is provided for the thirty-second note passages.
This solo will be rewarding yet challenging for all players. Field
testing of this solo has proven it to be a favorite among soloists
and music educators alike. |
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"The
Broad Run Jump" is a short snare drum solo written in orchestral
style. The rudiments used are the ones used in orchestra playing:
flams, ruffs and rolls. Rolls have to be closed for proper interpretation
and some thirty-second-note diddle patterns must be clearly played
to sound correct. Musically, the sounds produced when playing
the solo imply a broad run jump. Crescendo rolls lead into rhythmic
patterns much like running and jumping. The tempo, quarter note
= 84-100, seems a bit quick for the execution of the syncopated
rhythm for a grade-2 player. Also, to realize a quality snare
drum sound, the player must have good technique. This is a fine
solo but perhaps mis-graded." John Beck - October 2003 Percussive Notes |
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| The Colonel - James Wood by Steve Kastuck Grade 3 | $4.00 |
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An accented sixteenth note triplet
pattern serves as the motif for this challenging and musically
expressive work. Rolls consist of concert style and the traditional
triplet eighth note seven-stroke played in the open rudimental
style. As with most Kastuck compositions, this piece is ripe with
dynamic contrasts. Soloists enjoy this challenging and musically
rewarding work. |
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"This
snare drum, which is a little over two minutes in length, is
rated by the composer as a grade 2 level of difficulty, but
the technical content and shifting accents make this a quite
challenging piece to prepare. Written in 3/4 meter, at a tempo
of 80 bpm, the syncopation and accents create a swinging collection
of patterns and rudiments. |
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| Rolling Down The Road by Steve Kastuck Grade 3+ | $4.00 |
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An expressive solo that makes creative use of dynamic changes, accents, and timbre changes via interactive playing between the drum-head and the rim. Students, both young and old enjoy performing this work. Although many rudiments such as the 5, 9, 15 stroke rolls, flams, paradiddles, flam paradiddles, and flamacues are included, this solo is more of a concert style solo than a strict rudimental solo. Students will find this solo musically and technically challenging without being overwhelmed. You will go places " Rolling Down the Road". NOTE: This piece is listed in the TEXAS PML, the NORTH DAKOTA Selected Music List, the PENNSYLVANIA Selected Music List, the VIRGINIA VBODA Music Selection List, and is eligible for the RHODE ISLAND Solo and Ensemble Festival.Included in the UIL Band PML. |
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"The
solo explores common rhythmic patterns, syncopation, accents.
flams. drags and rolls, and there are numerous dynamic changes
for expression and interest. For nuances, and color, there are
passages that mix playing on the rim and head. The solo takes
just two minutes to perform and is suitable for solo contests
or studio recitals." George Frock - Percussive Notes – December 2002 |
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| Syncopated March by Steve Kastuck - Grade 2+ | $4.00 |
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Written in cut-time and utilizing creative dynamics, syncopated rhythms, accents, and alternate playing between the drum head and the rim, this piece is a favorite of early intermediate students. It is written in the styles of Beck, Houliff, and Schinstine, which offers the performer a chance to impress the audience and judges alike. This is a fun work that students enjoy playing, and it contains all the elements of a great solo. NOTE: This piece is listed in the NORTH DAKOTA Selected Music List, the PENNSYLVANIA Selected Music List, the VIRGINIA VBODA Music Selection List, and is eligible for the RHODE ISLAND Solo and Ensemble Festival. |
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"This
solo has plenty of dynamic contrasts… "Syncopated March"
has syncopated patterns that fall nicely into a march-like grove,
which, if played in a steady manner will have a bit of a swing
to it." John Beck – Percussive Notes – December 2002 |
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| Colonial Episode by Steve Kastuck - Grade 4 | $4.00 |
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This piece was inspired by Frank Arsenault and John S. Pratt. This solo is vintage early 1960's and reflects the energy and musicianship of these great artists. It begins in 4/4 time and ends in 2/4 time and captures the essence of the drumming of the American Revolution. It serves as a rudimental selection in the style of the 18th century military drumming. The dynamics, use of accents, and signature tempos will create audience interest and serve as the perfect piece for solo festivals, auditions and juries. NOTE: This piece is listed in the NORTH DAKOTA Selected Music List, the PENNSYLVANIA Selected Music List , the VIRGINIA VBODA Music Selection List, and is eligible for the RHODE ISLAND Solo and Ensemble Festival. |
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"This
approximately two-minute snare drum solo is suitable for the middle
school/high school percussionists. It assumes the student’s
familiarity with basic techniques, including such rudiments as
the flamacue and ratamacue, however, it features many characteristics
found in concert-style solos… The solo also displays a concern for performing within a variety of dynamic levels and emphasizes dexterity and control, which are of primary importance to the concert snare drummer." John Raush – Percussive Notes - December 2002 |
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| Contest Solos For The Young Drummer by Rudy Rutovich | $4.00 |
| An excellent
compilation of three grade 2-3 competition solos, written for the
early intermediate snare drummer. These pieces will thrill the audience,
the judges as well as enhance the student?s musicianship. The pieces
are well written, with much rhythmic variety and dynamic contrast.
Exciting to play and fun to listen to. NOTE: This piece is listed in the PENNSYLVANIA Selected Music List , the VIRGINIA VBODA Music Selection List, and is eligible for the RHODE ISLAND Solo and Ensemble Festival. RUDIMENTAL RUMBLE written in 2/4 with the quarter = 92, this piece is full of dynamic interest, and contains the following rudiments: flams, flamacues, flam- taps, flam accents, flam paradiddles, ratamacues, lesson 25, five, seven, seventeen stroke rolls, and drags. RUFF-n-CUT written in cut-time, with the half-note = 60, this piece provide the student with opportunity to play in the center and edge of the drum head. In addition the student can create dramatic interest using dynamic changes and accents since the piece contains the drag, drag paradiddle, five and nine stroke rolls, single and double strokes, and lesson 25. This is a fun yet challenging solo. PIECES OF EIGHT written in 6/8 with the dotted quarter = 96, with rhythms that are challenging and include provocative changes in the dynamics.. Rudiments include flams, flam-taps, flam accents, lesson 25, nine stroke rolls, double paradiddles, drags, with single and double strokes. This solo will impress everyone. |
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"My students thoroughly enjoyed performing these solos and
I thought they were well written and very musical?" - Amy Diamond - Alaska |
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| Niitaka Dawn (Yama Mama Moto) by Steve Kastuck - Grade 6 | $6.00 |
| Inspired by the
story of Niguma Hirake, who served in the Japanese Navy during WWII.
The performer controls the performance of this creative and inspirational
snare drum solo. It makes an ideal concert or recital piece. The
performer determines when and how rhythmic sections are performed.
Each section has its own degree of difficulty, with its own level
of dynamics choices. Suitable for the advanced high school, college
or professional level performer. This is a SHOW PIECE! NOTE: This piece is listed in the FLORIDA Music Selection List, the NORTH DAKOTA Selected Music List, the PENNSYLVANIA Selected Music List, the TEXAS PML, the INDIANA Music Selection List , the VIRGINIA VBODA Music Selection List, and is eligible for the RHODE ISLAND Solo and Ensemble Festival. Included in the UIL Band PML. |
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| Niitaka Dawn,"
subtitled "Yama Mama Moto," is a concert-style snare drum
solo that presents ten sections or variations, each contrasting
in style and mood. The sections are rhythmical, expressive, and
contain huge dynamic contrasts. The solo is written without a time
signature, and the performance notes call for freedom in expression.
The number of repeats of each section is left to the option of the
performer, so performance duration will vary. Technical demands
include single strokes, flams, drags, ruffs, and rolls. This is an excellent solo that will require thought and interpretation. - Reviewed by: George Frock - PERCUSSIVE NOTES MAGAZINE – Dec. 1998 |
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| "
I have thoroughly enjoyed Niitaka Dawn! I was involved in an arts
festival here in Regina approximately 6 weeks ago and as part of
my performance I performed Niitaka Dawn - the performance was nearly
five hours long. I have been meaning to write to you prior to this
to tell you how much I like the piece.." - Dave Sabine. Regina , Canada |
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| Two Short Pieces For Snare Drum by Steve Kastuck Grade 4-5 | $5.00 |
These snare drum
solos incorporate color contrasts, by playing on different areas
of the drum head or on the rim. These unique and challenging solos
contain precise details such as accents, dynamics, and tempo markings,
making each solo distinctively expressive. Both solos require solid
technical skills and the utmost musicianship. Written in 1976, it
is justifiably compared to the writings of Colgrass. It offers the
performer a chance to display their musical mastery of the snare
drum. This work is perfect for the college bound student who needs
an appropriate snare drum solo for entrance or placement auditions.
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| "Each
of this pair of solos for concert-style snare drum is just one page
in length, but each presents an expressive and creative theme that
explores rhythmic variety as well as pitch or color nuance. Contrasting
colors are accomplished via playing on different head areas and
rims. The first solo is mostly a duple time feel, with the second
being primarily ternary, written in 3/8 meter. Technical demands
include rolls, single strokes, flams, drags, and 4-stroke ruffs.
There are many dynamic changes for nuance and expression. It is nice to have literature for this medium that allows for expression and interpretation, rather than just technical pyrotechnics." - Reviewed by: George Frock - PERCUSSIVE NOTES MAGAZINE - DEC. 1998 |
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| "The
students really enjoyed performing Two Short Pieces for Snare Drum.
It is a nice addition to the snare drum literature. I am having
the most advanced student perform Niitake Dawn next year for his
college auditions. It's another excellent work" Vinnie DeBerto, Studio Musician and Performing Artist, NY |
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| MEPHISTOPHELEAN by Daniel Richards - Grade 4 | $4.00 |
| This
intermediate contemporary snare drum solo is an interesting and
creative work that incorporates multiple time signatures, non traditional
rhythmic groupings, the full dynamic range and various types of
strokes. Students will find this solo challenging, musically rewarding,
and offers them a chance to demonstrate their snare drum proficiency,
musical expression and interpretation. This solo would be an effective
solo for teaching creative cadenza like playing. This is a show
piece! A great work for the percussion "hot-shot". NOTE: This piece is listed in the PENNSYLVANIA Selected Music List, the VIRGINIA VBODA Music Selection List, and is eligible for the RHODE ISLAND Solo and Ensemble Festival. |
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| NO RIGHT TURN! by Daniel Richards - Grade 4 | $4.00 |
| This musically
and technically challenging snare drum solo is full of dynamics,
musical expression, triplets, sextuplets, flams, and measured rolls.
It includes many special effects including playing on the rim and
alternates between 2/4, 3 / 4, and 4/4. A very interesting work,
that is perfect for any contest or studio performance. NOTE: This piece is listed in the PENNSYLVANIA Selected Music List, the VIRGINIA VBODA Music Selection List, and is eligible for the RHODE ISLAND Solo and Ensemble Festival. |
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| Eight Solos For Snare Drum by W.J. Putnam - Grades 2-4 | $10.00 |
An outstanding
eight solo compilation for the intermediate to advanced snare drummer
seeking competition solos for performance. Time signatures include
2/4, 4/4, 3/4, and 6/8. This series of solos is intended to further
to enhance the player's abilities in a strict rudimental style of
playing. Each two page solo is clearly printed on quality paper.
Sticking is provided where appropriate. These solos are definitely
a cut above other collections of solos in interest and provide a
higher degree of serious musical educational value. Solo No.5 Recommended snare drum solo for the NJSMA 2005-2006 Junior High School Intermediate/Junior Band Solo List Included in the UIL Band PML. |
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| Jibberish by James Hunt - Grade 4 | $4.00 |
| JIBBERISH written for three snare drums is a short yet amusing work. You will think you are talking to Marisa Tomei in the movie "Slums of Beverly Hills" when you perform this fun work. This piece emphasizes it all: accents, dynamic control, syncopation, melodic snare phrasing, mixed meters, and of course ˇ§funˇ¨. This is an enjoyable yet challenging work for all performers at any level. | |
| "Here is a short, fun piece for three snare drums to be performed by one player. Beginning with a pp dynamic, the piece quickly crescendos to a moving eighth-note pattern with shifting accents. After a fermata, a second section begins with a repetitive pattern on the low snare drum while a syncopated melodic pattern is performed on the other two drums. A final section involving mixed meters has the performer moving quickly between all three drums. The accents and shifting rhythms bring the piece to an exciting conclusion. There is much to learn from this piece including dynamics, accent control, phrasing and moving between drums smoothly. It would make a good introduction to multiple-percussion, and students looking for something unique and challenging will enjoy performing it.ˇ¨ Reviewed by Tom Morgan ˇV PERCUSSIVE NOTES MAGAZINE V JUNE 2004 | |
| Sonatina for Snare Drum by James Hunt - Grade 5 | $4.00 |
| This challenging multi-metric fast paced work will test the skill of rudimental and concert drummers alike. It requires dynamic control, stick control, accent control, phrasing control, and the ability to cleanly execute controlled double sticking. This short work is an excellent contest solo, jury selection work, and college or university audition piece. | |
| Dixie Hot-Cat by Duane Bierman | $4.00 |
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Dixie Hot-Cat, showcasing the rhythms found in a Dixieland two-step style, presents the very unique challenge of accompanying yourself whistling a Dixieland tune. The performer is also required to produce five different sounds from the snare drum by striking different areas of the instrument; a notation legend is provided. This piece is exciting and fun to perform. |
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"This is a very creative solo for snare drum, written as a quick Dixieland two-step. Bierman provides a notation key that includes playing in the normal striking area, near and on the rim, on the drum shell, and rimshots. Capturing the Dixieland style, there are many syncopations and off-beat accents. Techniques include single strokes, flams, rolls and both sticks striking at the same time. The solo is in ABA form. The middle section is unique, with the soloist whistling a short melody, which is not easy, having chromatic passing tones between longer notes. With the thousand of snare drum solos that exist, it is refreshing to find one that offers new and unique approaches as well as musical expression." - George Frock, PERCUSSIVE NOTES FEB. 2006 |
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| Daniel Morgan THE RIFLEMAN by Steve Kastuck - Grade 6 | $5.00 |
| This is a difficult grade 6 snare drum solo. Anyone performing this technically demanding solo will need the musicianship of a virtuoso marksman, just as Daniel Morgan's riflemen needed to be sharpshooters. Written in honor of two other Virginians and patriots, - Senators John Warner and Robert Byrd. This solo includes historical and biographical information about Daniel Morgan, Senator John Warner and Senator Robert Byrd. This solo contains simple and complex poly-rhythmic rhythms and meters, a full range of demanding dynamics and tempos. A solid understanding of abbreviated notation is required by the performer for correct interpretation. This solo will surely reduce a "Tornado" into a gale force wind when played accurately. THE RIFLEMAN will definitely impress any judges at competition or college/university audition. This solo is also included in the snare drum book "Rhythmic Designs" by Steve Kastuck. |
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“This rudimental snare drum solo, written in a fairly traditional style, begins in 4/4 with sixteenth notes performed with accents and diddles. After repeating the opening - Tom Morgan PERCUSSIVE NOTES APRIL 2006 |
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| ORDER | |
KASTUCK PERCUSSION STUDIO, INC.
P. O. Box 4313
Winchester, VA 22604-4313
PHONE: (540) 931-2383
Email - skastuck@comcast.net