“This has to be the most amazing set of solos and Danny Raymond is freakin amazing!”

“This DVD includes performances of nine snare drum solos ranging from rather simple to extremely difficult. The less difficult solos incorporate various teaching or developmental concepts, including marching single strokes, dynamics, doubles (strokes and diddles), different playing spots, etc. Both matched and traditional grips are used. A variety of drums are used, including an old-style rope-tension drum. Brushes are used on “Clean Sweep.” The solos may be heard both with and without voice-over commentary. A section titled “Tips and Tricks” includes discussion, instruction, exercises, and application of backsticking, twirling, flips, stick toss, fakes, swipe/sweep, disappearing brush, and rim roll.

The “Special Features’”section includes specific exercises for specific solos. Raymond also discusses his ideas on soloing, practicing, concept of time, and the roots of rudimental drumming styles. A presentation and description of each of the five drums used includes makes and models, sizes, finishes, and heads. A very valuable feature of this DVD is the inclusion of printable pdf files of all nine solos, along with corresponding exercises and comments.

This is an excellent DVD for use by any level of percussion student interested in learning about and developing the skills for contemporary rudimental snare drum techniques. This DVD should be part of the library of every band director and drumline instructor.”

“Danny Raymond's drum corps heritage (his dad played with and taught several Northeastern corps) is evident in this entertaining and educational DVD. Here the two-time DCA snare drum champ (backsticks.com) plays and explains nine two- to three-minute solos ranging from easy to competition level. Also included are exercises that benefit from overhead and side camera angles, as well as tips on topics from backsticking to tosses to the "disappearing brush" trick. Also cool: the rudimental brush solo "Clean Sweep," and the ability to print out the music by loading the disc into your computer.”