Technic Today, Part 1: Drum Book

Ployhar understands that percussionists in young bands need focused, purposeful exercises that build confidence without overwhelming them. This book stays connected to Band Today Part One, so students see exactly how technique translates to the repertoire they're actually playing. The progression feels natural because it's designed by someone who spent decades in the classroom watching what drummers need to master.

Straightforward, methodical, and purposeful. These exercises feel less like isolated drills and more like the building blocks your playing actually needs. Each page builds incrementally, so progress feels achievable rather than abstract.

Drummers in beginning and early intermediate concert bands who are working through Band Today Part One or any introductory band method. This book works for any percussionist ready to move beyond basic notation and explore the technical foundations that underpin band repertoire.

• Work through each exercise slowly at first, isolating the sticking pattern before adding dynamics or tempo changes.
• Practice with a metronome set at a tempo where you can execute cleanly; incremental speed increases come only after the pattern is solid.
• Coordinate with your director on which exercises your band is working through each week so your individual practice supports the repertoire being rehearsed.
• Use a practice pad for exercises focusing on grip and sticking; move to the full drumset once the technique is secure.

Assign exercises weekly as parallel study to your band repertoire, so drummers reinforce the exact techniques required in that week's concert pieces. Alternate between written exercises and full-band rehearsal to ensure percussion technique receives dedicated attention without cutting into ensemble time.

• Reading and executing rhythmic notation in common meters
• Developing consistent grip and stick control
• Building coordination between hands and feet
• Responding to dynamic markings and tempo changes
• Applying sticking patterns to various drum voices and ensemble textures