A Study of the Relationships Between American, Swiss, and French Rudimental Drumming

Elizabeth Rockwell* and George Willis, College of Creative Arts, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506

Field (Broad Category): Music/Music Therapy (Visual & Performing Arts) 

Student’s Major: Music Performance 

The main purpose of this study is to examine the technical and musical similarities and differences between traditional American, Swiss, and French rudimental drumming, specifically in the design and use of the military reveilles. The common attribute between these three cultures is their use of rudimental drumming as a method of communication in a militaristic setting. As rudimental drumming grows into a more complex artform, finding the connections between different musical cultures can allow for relationships to be built and can develop a unique form of rudimental drumming that intelligently combines multiple drumming heritages. To address this question we used an artistic methodology of analyzing and learning key skills required for each technique in order to represent and perform the findings. We also read and summarized texts and documents dating back to the conception of each artform, as well as texts written by experts on the subjects in order to confirm the proper execution of learned techniques and accurate interpretation of our findings. The main findings will suggest that there are a plethora of connections and relationships between the three, while also containing clear variations to distinguish between them. These relationships provide a way to take information and technique from each culture and combine them into one style. Therefore, these results will support the conclusion that each style can be utilized and melded with one another to create a unique performance of traditional rudimental pieces. 

Funding: 

Program/mechanism supporting research/creative efforts: WVU's Research Apprenticeship Program (RAP) & accompanying HONR 297-level course