Evaluating the Beginning Snare Drummer: Video and Sample Test

Stewart demonstrating how to practise one of 5 points on the video, Evaluating the Beginning Snare Drummer.

When it comes time for band teachers to evaluate students’ performance on their instruments, evaluating percussionists – snare drummers in particular – usually leaves teachers baffled. Unlike the other instrumentalists, snare drummers have no problem producing a sound and hitting the right note with good intonation. So what do you test?

As you will see in the video Evaluating the Beginning Percussionist, if we develop tests with a clear focus on specific technical points, even the simplest test – just a few bars of quarter notes and rests – can be turned into an important learning experience to guide students’ technical and musical development, and one which band directors can easily use for effective evaluation.

The following is a sample test. You will want to modify the points and marking scheme to best address the students’ needs as their technique develops.

Snare Drum Test

Student’s Name:
Test Date:
Page:              Line #:

Practise slowly and carefully, paying attention to the points below.

Each point counts toward 20% of your mark.

1. Keep the hands fairly flat, about an inch above the snare drum, with thumbs at the side. Your sticks will form a gentle “V” shape.       /20
2. Drop the stick onto the drum and lift it off the drum in sync with the rebound off the drum.       /20
3. Lift and drop the sticks from the same height for an even volume.       /20
4. Keep the 3rd and 4th fingers under the stick and don’t let them flare out at any time.       /20
5. Practise with the metronome at 2 tempos: 60 and 90 to the quarter note. (The goal is to play the notes exactly with the metronome.       /20