In anthony Cirones Portraits In Rhythmn, ex-44 page 48 he writes 12 or so straight flams. I know flams in orchestral playing should not alternate, but this rhythmn one..(2).and (3) .and one, just doesnt seem right with 12 straight right-handed flams. I checked out the masterclasses he wrote for modern drummer 1987-91, and he didnt do this one. Anyone know the anwser? Thanks Scott Kitchen Marietta ,Ohio

I don't think you should have to stick it all rights just because its an orchestral solo. The only reason people do that is to have each flam sound the same. If you feel more comfortable doing it another way without compromising the sound, go for it. I had a similar problem in Alan Abel's 2040's Sortie (it wasnt 12 in a row though) and I found alternate sticking to be the best way...for me that is. Someone might tell you otherwise. Anyway, just try a bunch of stuff and find what works best for you. Good Luck!

-Ben

Scott,

It is a misconception that "orchestral" flams never alternate. As Ben says, singling the flams makes them sound all the same. There are times when the back & forth of alternation sounds better. In the particular Cirone Etude you refer to, I play the flams with the same hand but alternate when playing consecutive sixteenths - i.e. R R RL R R R RL R R RL R RL R RL R RL R R R R. Of course, others might stick it differently. There is no absolute right & wrong. Try posting on the World Percussion Network (www.pas.org then click on WPN). Many orchestral percussionists and percussion teachers will read your post and you may get more opinions.

Bill T.