production through performance

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2.4 DRUM Fills

Drum fills are used to bridge the gap between grooves. They usually signal a new song section and help the listener and the band feel the upcoming change before it happens.

Phrases

A phrase is a sentence in music; there is a definite beginning, middle, and end that is dictated by the rhythm and/or melody of a song. Most pop music is created by using the repetition of four-measure phrases. The song London Bridge Is Falling Down is made up of two four-measure phrases.

Drum Fill

A drum fill is usually played in the last measure of a four-measure phrase and takes up either all of the beats or the last beat(s) of the final measure. During a drum fill, the subdivision is moved from the ride or high hat to either the snare, kick, and/or toms. Not all of the subdivisions have to be played during a fill, and patterns are made through repetition and use of space. The drum fill in this phrase occurs during the last two beats of the last measure in the first phrase.

 

Compose

DRUM FILL

Compose drum grooves that are bridged by a drum fill.

If you are having trouble changing instruments during your fill, play everything on the snare drum until you are comfortable.


Test

DRUM FILL PERFORMANCE

Create a recording of the grooves and drum fill you composed.

  • Know the expectations! Review the Rubric →

  • Read the recording instructions in the menu below, and record your grooves with a drum fill.

    Make sure your recording has the following:

    • Three measures of your first groove

    • One transition measure with a drum fill on beats 3 and 4

    • Four measures of your second groove

    • One kick/crash on beat one of measure five

  • Reflect on how you did with the Self Assessment →

OPEN IN SOUNDTRAP

    1. Add new track > Drum + Beats

    2. Find your kit.

    3. Record a performance of your drum groove with a fill.

    4. Check the performance with the piano roll.