ClapocalypsE is an intermediate percussion ensemble for 5 Clappers, 1 Marimba, and 1 Vibraphone

Written with the modern style of rudimental bass drumming in mind, the performers of the clapping parts, or “Clappers," are required to play both split and unison patterns with great rhythmic clarity. The mallet parts are written for intermediate-level performers, perhaps individuals new to the four-mallet techniques.

Due to the unique instrumentation of the ensemble, it is recommended that the five clappers are at the front of the stage with the Marimba and Vibraphone directly behind them.

Closing Remarks is a collection of 14 advanced solos for the snare drum. The inspiration for these solos came from several conversations with multiple collegiate-level educators. As percussion has grown the divide between traditional “Rudimental” snare drumming and “Orchestral” snare drumming has thankfully shrunk. There was consistently an expressed need for our students to have more modern literature that better prepared them for the challenges of contemporary snare drum solos. In composing these solos the goal was to create a wide range of reading, rhythmic, and musical challenges while always focusing on delivering an engaging piece of music in the process. Thank you for your dedication to the art of snare drumming and I hope you enjoy playing through Closing Remarks.

Hidden Amongst Fallen Leaves is a programmatic percussion quintet written from the heart for Annika Agnihotri, Jessica Yang, Kaitlin Tan, Lily Lee, and Yiwei Shen. These five percussionists were an unrelenting force of musical excellence for the Coppell percussion program from the years 2014 - 2021. Performed on three mounted kick drums and a shared bass drum, all muffled with cup chime, there is a wide range of rhythmic and dynamic challenges presented throughout before concluding on vibraphone and two shared marimbas. Written to be a musical representation of their time in the percussion program at Coppell the goal was to create a unique musical offering, showcasing a wide range of touch, contrast, and virtuosity.

Hidden Amongst Fallen Leaves was commissioned by Annie Chernow for Coppell High School's performance of the 2021 TMEA Invited Percussion Ensemble concert.

“Hymn of the Shield Maiden” is an advanced snare drum solo commissioned by Dr. Andrew Eldridge and composed by Mr. Doug Bush.

Master Hands is a collection of intermediate to advanced exercises and etudes meant to increase the control, flow and contrast of ones playing.

As a young percussionist, one of my most profound experiences was working through the book Master Studies by the late jazz legend Joe Morello. I have since worked through this book countless times and it has helped to plug the gaps between my drum set and rudimental playing. Many of the concepts presented in Master Hands are extensions of the concepts presented in Master Studies, and are further influenced by my experiences on drum set and marching / teaching drum corps. I highly recommend playing through Master Studies before playing through Master Hands. Pay special attention to the preface of Master Studies where Joe gives his thoughts on technique and use of the metronome. These words are just as true today as they were when he originally penned them in 1983.

Momentum is a collection of exercises, etudes, and solos designed to develop the physical and mental control necessary for self-expression through two-mallet percussion. The exercises are organized to develop a balanced variety of skills in an achievable progression. The etudes are short musical examples intended to transfer recently acquired skills to a more musical context. And finally the solos are physically challenging, musically mature, and composed to sound cool enough to be worth the effort. To those disciplined enough to complete the exercise, etudes, and solos of Momentum, the two-mallet universe is yours!

Opening Statement is a collection of beginner to intermediate snare drum solos. For the past 20 years, I have found a need for beginning to intermediate snare literature with greater variety. Something that included open and closed rolls, different rhythms, dynamics, stickings, flams and yet was accessible and easy to read for beginning snare drummers. Opening Statement represents four years of composing, testing and receiving critical feedback from several Texas High School percussion programs ranging in size and ability level.

Super Hands is a collection of exercises, etudes, and solos for the intermediate to advanced rudimental percussionist.

Before each exercise there are a few short descriptions of goals that pertain to that exercise. Make sure to read these before attempting to play so you know what it is you are trying to accomplish. Many of the exercises are meant to be practiced with several variations. Try using multiple dynamics, different stickings, playing the exercise backwards or playing with just your weak hand.

Performance Etudes are found at the end of each chapter and are not meant to be sight read. They are short musical examples meant to help transfer the skills you are developing to a more musical context. They are also meant to prepare you for the solos in the back of the book. Take your time with these and make sure you can play them confidently.

“Yours Rudimentally” is dedicated to Mr. John S. Pratt, one of the most prolific and influential rudimental composers of all time. This duet for marching snare drum and marching bass drum is meant to be both a celebration and tribute to Pratt’s life and music. The piece seeks to immortalize many of the classic Pratt themes with a modern style.