Rhythm Tech Drum Circle

Let's face it, most students scowl at the mere mention of a rudiment. And what about o-ring muffles? Oh, you mean that thing that came with my snare drum. I thought that was part of the packaging! While o-rings are easily replaced with some gaff tape or a cut out piece of an old drum head, the rudiments are an essential element of our craft that deserve a lot of attention. Fortunately, Rhythm Tech provides a product that incorporates both elements into one extremely convenient package. As an o-ring, the Drum Circle performs as expected. The ring is constructed of a noticeably thicker mil film than most other offerings, and can withstand direct blows without dimpling, cracking, or smearing. Obviously the main advantage of this product is the inclusion of 28 of the standard rudiments (see list below), and while there are some glaring omissions, the list covers everything necessary for beginner to intermediate students.

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Side 1

• Single Stroke Roll
• Long Roll
• 5 Stroke Roll
• 7 Stroke Roll

• 9 Stroke Roll
• 11 Stroke Roll
• 13 Stroke Roll
• 15 Stroke Roll
• 6 Stroke Roll
• 10 Stroke Roll
• Single Paradiddle
• Double Paradiddle

Side 2

• Paradiddle Diddle
• Flam
• Flam Accent
• Flam Tap
• Flam Paradiddle
• Flamacue
• Flam Paradiddle Diddle
• Ruff
• Single Drag
• Double Drag
• Lesson 25
• Single Ratamacue
• Double Ratamacue
• Triple Ratamacue
• Drag Paradiddle #1
• Drag Paradiddle #2

You can find the Drum Circle at the following links:
Rhythm Tech  or  Musicians Friend

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The Drum Circle retails for between 8 and 12 dollars, and while the price may seem excessive for such a basic accessory, the real value is found in the product's convenience factor. Even though I keep copies of the rudiments all over my studio, I found that after purchasing the Drum Circle I was referencing the rudiments more during my impromptu practice sessions. Also, as a teaching tool it saves time by no longer having to shuffle through pages for different students. Everything I need is right in plain sight on the snare drum. In my opinion, Rhythm Tech has done all drummers a favor by combining two seemingly mundane, yet necessary elements of our craft into one extremely practical product. While some may find the Drum Circle an unnecessary accessory, for others (especially teachers) it may be just what you're looking for to keep your rudiments fresh.