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“Just Groove!” is a fun and energetic work for drum set. The performer will only need the following drum set components: snare, kick drum, high tom, low tom, hi-hat, and crash cymbal. Within the work, you will see that the single paradiddle is used several ways. In preparation for this work, I recommend practicing single paradiddles both with and without an accent.

Here are some additional things to consider in preparing this piece for performance. The double-stroke roles found in measures 1, 17, and 25 should be played very open. The paradiddle figures beginning in measure 6 between the hi-hat and snare drum, and beginning in measure 18 between the bass drum and snare drum, should be played as evenly as possible, with the exception of any marked accents. The sixteenth notes found in measure 13 should also be played as evenly as possible until you get to the accents. 

This work is based on the funk style of music. Keeping a constant sixteenth-note feel will help to bring the overall idea together. 

Just Groove from Percussive Arts Society on Vimeo.

 

Dr. Nicholaus Meyers is Director of Bands and Percussion at East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma. He is an active composer, conductor, and performer, giving clinics and masterclasses throughout the United States. He is Chair of the PAS Composition Committee, Chair of the Oklahoma Intercollegiate band, and past President of the North Dakota PAS Chapter. For further information, visit nicholausmeyers.com