First Division Band Method, Part 3: Drum Book

This drum book integrates seamlessly with your full band's method sequence rather than standing alone as an afterthought. The proven progression that has worked for millions of students means your percussionists move in lockstep with your winds, eliminating the frustration of waiting for parts to be ready or scrambling for supplementary materials.

Learning to play drums feels like discovering that your hands and feet can do two different things at once. The exercises start simple, building confidence before introducing the coordination challenges that make drumming satisfying.

Beginning percussionists in your concert band program who are working through the same method sequence as your woodwinds and brass. Drum kit players new to reading notation and coordinating hands and feet benefit from the straightforward, step-by-step approach.

• Establish grip and stick control early using the exercises in the opening pages; consistent hand position now prevents technique problems that become harder to fix later
• Coordinate snare drum rhythms with your wind players' counting systems so the percussion section reinforces rather than complicates ensemble time keeping
• Use the graded exercises to diagnose which students need extra work on sticking patterns before moving to the next section
• Pair the written rhythms with the band's daily warm-ups so percussion doesn't feel like a separate activity but part of unified band rehearsal

Keep this book moving at the same pace as your woodwind and brass sections; the method is designed so all students advance together, creating cohesion across your ensemble. When your full band gets new material, your drummers are ready from day one rather than catching up later.

• Grip, hand position, and stick control
• Reading snare drum notation and basic rhythmic values
• Coordinating hands and feet on the drum kit
• Building tempo consistency and time-keeping responsibility
• Sticking patterns and rudimentary patterns
• Following conductor cues while managing instrument-specific technique