Multiple Bounce Roll
A multiple bounce roll or buzz roll consists of alternating buzz strokes. A buzz stroke involves applying slight pressure to the fulcrum, so that multiple bounces can be achieved with one stroke.
Multiple bounce rolls are typically used for most concert, wind ensemble, and orchestral repertoire.
Rolls should be associated with a hand motion rhythm or rhythm base whenever possible. The tempo determines the hand motion rhythm.
Before you can practice and achieve a buzz roll, you need the be able to perform a consistent buzz stroke. Begin by experimenting with how it feels to slightly tighten the fulcrum to allow the stick to bounce multiple times on the drum head. The fulcrum plays a large part in a successful multiple bounce stroke and roll. When creating the bounce, strive for at least three bounces from each hand.
The pressure between the thumb and forefinger must only create a pivot point or fulcrum for the stick to play through. The thumb pressure coupled with any gripping of the stick from the tip of the index and middle fingers can determine the control of the rebounds. If the pressure is too firm, the stick will not rebound. If the pressure is too loose, the stick will flip around in the pivot area and lose its rebound energy.
The ring and little fingers should not touch the stick when first producing multiple bounces and rebounds. They should be just below the stick, yet not spread out to the side. Eventually, these fingers will facilitate the production of the rebounds.
Experiment with the downward pressure from your hand on to the stick.
Make sure you are successful with bounce strokes with each hand independently before you put both hands together. Then, combining the hands, start slowing playing long, sustained multiple bounces in each hand. Overlap the ending of one stroke with the beginning of the other. Keep an even sustained sound and gradually alternate more rapidly until you can achieve a smooth, connected series of buzzes. The concept of the roll should be as slow an alternation of the hands (rhythmic base) as possible with as long a sustained multiple bounce stroke occurring in each hand as possible.
When performing a multiple bounce roll, the tempo will determine what kind of "base" rhythm you will use. It is outstanding practice to practice multiple bounces with different kinds of rhythm bases, so it is second nature to your hands when you are called to perform a multiple bounce roll at any tempo. Practice the exercises here to gain mastery of buzzes on both hands on any subdivision of sixteenth notes.
Roll interpretation and choosing a base rhythm should be determined by tempo, listening to the ensemble, and checking the score or other instrument's part to see note duration and style.
Base to Roll Exercises
The purpose of these base to roll exercises is to establish an even alternation of the single strokes in dynamics and rhythm, which then carries over to the production of a smooth roll when the multiple bounce strokes are added. Start each of these sections at 60 beats per minute. You do not need to do every single measure at once. Master one and then add a measure.
#10 is where you will achieve a full multiple bounce roll.
Multiple Bounce Roll Video
Watch the video below to see a demonstration of a multiple bounce roll, an explanation and then guided practice with Mrs. Stewart.
Beginning - 0:08 Demonstration by Ms. Samantha Fordis.
0:08 - 1:31: Explanation.
1:31 - 2:26: Practice #1 with Exercise #4.
2:27 - 2:55: Practice #2 with Exercise #8.
2:56 - End: Practice #3 with Exercise #10.