A Tribe Called Quads
8 progressive solos for marching tenors
Program Notes
A Tribe Called Quads by Andrew Smit is designed to help the beginner-to-intermediate rudimental player get their start in basic marching tenor drumming. The book starts with a foundation of basic drumming skills that are then applied to various quad logistics, skills, and variables. Each solo addresses a new skill unique to tenor drumming while progressively getting more and more challenging. This book is suitable for private lessons or for sectional rehearsals in marching band or indoor drumline. A Tribe Called Quads allows students to be fluent in many of the motions, shapes, and overall vernacular of playing the marching tenor drums.
Maiden Voyage | Med-Easy | 1’15”
Diddle Sandwich | Med-Easy | 1’05”
Para-Trip-a-Stick-a-Diddle | Medium | 1’05”
Flamazon Prime | Medium | 1’30”
Kane Bub | Medium | 1’20”
Criss-Cross Applesauce | Med-Advanced | 1’05”
Barely Scraping By | Med-Advanced | 1’20”
A Tribe Called Quads | Med-Advanced | 1’55”
Percussive Notes
Vol 61. No. 5
October 2023
“This collection of eight progressive solos for marching tenors is “designed to help the beginner-to-intermediate rudimental player get their start in basic marching tenor drumming. The book starts with a foundation of basic drumming skills that are then applied to various quad logistics, skills, and variables. Each solo addresses a new skill unique to tenor drumming while progressively getting more and more challenging.”
These solos are perfect for students who have no experience with marching tenors but are ready to dive in. Unlike many existing collections, A Tribe Called Quads is truly progressive, giving students the opportunity to focus on good fundamentals while navigating their way around the drums. The first solo, “Maiden Voyage,” focuses on 5- and 9-stroke rolls, single flams, and paradiddles, while introducing basic motion around the drums. More advanced concepts such as crossovers and scrapes don’t appear until the sixth and seventh solos, allowing students to grasp the fundamentals first. The final solo of the collection puts together all of the skills while still being achievable by students who are new to the tenors.
The cover art (and art used throughout the book) by Eddie Montoya adds an especially delightful layer that is targeted perfectly for the late middle school to early high school level. Perfect for solo or sectional work, A Tribe Called Quads should be considered essential for any directors looking to build their marching tenor pipeline.”
-Joe Millea
This piece is available for purchase through Tapspace Publications