How can I make our snare drum tap-off more interesting?

Question

In drumline, we always start with this tap off: http://drumline.bands.uiuc.edu/clinic/instruction/snare-exercises.htm (at the top, the eighth note sequence)

How can I make this more exciting (keeping the first two measures the same)?

Does anyone know a good tap-off I can use?

Answer 1

tap offs should reflect the pulse/subdivision of the exercise you are playing. i would never use a duple tap off for a triplet pattern or any 16th note exercise. if you have finale software, i would be happy to share a few examples.

also, if you go to DCI shows and stroll the parking lot during warmups-you will see & hear some awesome stuff to steal/borrow. (you can go to dci.org for show schedules and links to corps sites). some corps put up streaming video or music links.

Answer 2

honestly, i think a simple tap off is just right for an exercise, but to spice it up you could add in some fill-ins.

you could possibly add in a syncopated rhythm. that may not flow with the exercise as well as a straight tap off.