the official blog of the Percussive Arts Society

“The Backbeat of Paris” is a short, upbeat rudimental solo for the intermediate snare drummer. Lightly inspired by the ancient rudimental snare drum solo “The Downfall of Paris,” this solo juxtaposes bits of modern drum corps vocabulary and Afro-Cuban lilt against a traditional style. 

I recommend practicing this solo significantly under tempo with a metronome to work out any tricky stickings and rhythms to ensure relaxed technique as well as a consistent sound and tempo. Additionally, feel free to add your own expression with nuanced dynamics, such as a slight crescendo during the sextuplet-based seven-stroke rolls in section A and C. Good luck!

Dr. Francisco Perez is a percussionist, composer, and educator from Pflugerville, Texas and serves as Assistant Professor of Music (Percussion) at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. As an active performer, he has accepted international engagements in Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Spain, and China, toured extensively throughout the U.S., and regularly performs with the BlueSHIFT Percussion Quartet. For more information about Francisco and his compositions/arrangements, visit: www.perezperc.com.