G.L.S. Cover Image

G.L.S.: Snare Drum Part(s)

$4.95 USD
$4.95 USD
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G.L.S. Cover Image
G.L.S.: Snare Drum Part(s)

G.L.S.: Snare Drum Part(s)

By Alan Keown

Level: Intermediate

Item: 00-SDS3
$4.95
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Description
An exciting contest solo for the intermediate snare drummer. This solo will showcase the player's technique, musicality, and backsticking.

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Additional Details
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 4
UPC: 654979079989
SKU: 00-SDS3

More about this title

About the Author: Alan Keown

Alan Keown has built a reputation as a thoughtful composer and arranger for percussion, with a particular gift for writing solos that balance technical demands with genuine musicality. His work consistently appears on festival schedules and contest syllabi, where it's valued for pushing students toward precision without sacrificing artistry.

Why we love this

G.L.S. demands real musicality from intermediate drummers, not just technical showmanship. The emphasis on backsticking forces players to develop control and finesse alongside their rudimentary chops, making this a genuinely educational contest piece rather than a speed showcase.

What to expect

Energetic and engaging, with moments of genuine musical expression woven through the technical demands. The backsticking sections create an unexpected textural shift that rewards careful listening and thoughtful phrasing.

Who it's for

Intermediate snare drummers preparing for solo competitions or recitals who have mastered basic rudiments and are ready to develop deeper control and musicianship. This piece bridges the gap between technical development and artistic interpretation.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance your dynamic range across all technical sections. The contrast between backsticking passages and traditional strokes will feel more musical if you shape the volume intentionally rather than playing everything at competition level.
  • Approach backsticking as a melodic tool. Listen to how the stick bounces and rebound naturally; this will help you maintain tone consistency when switching between stick and head.
  • Lock in a steady tempo from the opening. Intermediate soloists often rush through technical passages, so establish your internal pulse early and trust it through the busier material.
  • Record yourself and listen for musicality, not just accuracy. A clean, expressive run through this piece will stand out far more in a contest setting than a technically perfect but mechanical performance.

How to use it

Perfect as a standalone featured solo in a percussion recital or as a warm-up performance for drum majors and other section leaders at a contest day. The four-page length makes it ideal for concert programming without overwhelming an audience unfamiliar with solo percussion.

Skills your students will build

  • Backsticking control and tone quality
  • Dynamic contrast and musical phrasing
  • Technical accuracy at intermediate tempos
  • Musicality in solo performance contexts
  • Sustained focus and concentration over a complete solo form

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