From the tango to the waltz
Tomáš Chmura has compiled five dances for drum beginners in a booklet so that they not only learn playing technique but also remain familiar with these dance styles.
The album In a dancing mood is intended for children and young people who are coming into contact with the drums for the first time. Tomáš Chmura has dispensed with advanced playing techniques such as pegs or double strokes. Timbres such as rim clicks, flams or playing on the ride bell make the various pieces more varied and allow the drums to sound more authentic to the respective style.
The foreword states: "The children not only learn (...) how the drums are used in music, but also get to know some dance music styles that are unfortunately gradually being forgotten by the younger generation." The five pieces included are called: Tango, Polka, Waltz, Cha-Cha and Viennese waltz. The compositions are stylistically and musically well realized and give the players and the audience a good feeling.
By choosing the tempo when playing together with a pianist, the level of difficulty of the pieces can be greatly varied and adapted to the drummer's level as required. As an experienced and sought-after teacher, Chmura likes to work with the play-along teaching method: "The recordings make it easier for budding percussionists to find their way around the notation, help with the musical perception of the composition and support rehearsals ..."
The recordings of the pieces (mp3) are available on the publisher's website in two versions: Piano with percussion and piano solo. The latter can be used for concert performances without a pianist.
Tomáš Chmura: In a dancing mood, for percussion beginners, with piano accompaniment, Audio/Video online, H 8053, € 7.50, Bärenreiter, Prague
