by James Campbell

Interpret Subdivision Shift as a long single stroke roll with accents placed strategically throughout. This etude is challenging because the pulse stays the same as the subdivision changes from six to eight beats for each quarter note. Use a metronome to maintain a steady tempo as you shift from the sextuplets to the thirty-second notes, and back.

Play this etude on a drum with sticks or on hand drums such as bongos, congas, and djembe. Orchestrate the patterns between two or more drums to generate ideas for fills and solos. Practice outside of your "comfort zone" using fast and slow tempi, loud and soft dynamic levels. Always listen for the quality of sound you produce and strive to play the accented notes at consistent levels.

James Campbell has received worldwide recognition as a performer, teacher, composer, author, and is a respected figure in the development of the contemporary percussion ensemble. He has toured extensively throughout North and Central America, Europe, and Asia. Currently Professor of Music and Director of Percussion Studies at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, he also holds the positions of Principal Percussionist with the Lexington Philharmonic, drummer with the Kentucky Jazz Repertory Orchestra, and Past-President of the Percussive Arts Society. Among his works for concert and marching percussion, Jim has published with Hal Leonard Publishing, C.L. Barnhouse Co., C. Alan Publications, Innovative Percussion, Row-Loff Productions, Meredith Music and Warner Bros. Publications with whom he serves as Percussion Team Author for the Expressions Music Curriculum.