Tompkins-Nine French-American Rudimental Solos Volume 1

Joe Tompkins' Nine French-American Rudimental Solos has a demonstration, recorded by Joe Tompkins himself available at bachovich.com/downloads.php

"This book is, in essence, a collection of stately marches. It came about after an exploration of the French rudiments contained in Guy Lefèvre Le Tambour "Technique Superieure". After spending some time working with that book, I thought why not combine French and American rudiments in one setting? The French use of syncopated accents within groupings and combinations of quintuplets counterbalances the solidity of the American rudiments nicely, providing an occasional unexpected trip in the beat. Many French rudiments have been used here in their entirety, although a few have been modified. I would highly recommend referring to Lefevre's book for a complete tutorial on this wonderful drumming style."

-Joe Tompkins


Number of Players: 1
Level of Difficulty: 5
Instrumentation: Snare Drum


Percussionist Joseph Tompkins has performed with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, the New York City Opera, the New Jersey Symphony and the Orchestra of St. Luke's. On Broadway he has played in productions of The King and I, Swan Lake, Oklahoma!, The Lion King, The Producers, Spamalot, The Light in the Piazza and Tarzan. Tompkins has a performed on film soundtracks for The Manchurian Candidate, The Last Holiday, Failure to Launch, and Casanova. Currently he is a member of the percussion trio Timetable, a group committed to commissioning and performing new works for percussion. He is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music and the Manhattan School.