In this blog, you’ll get an inside look at the 2024 Global Symposium of Rudimental Drumming in Washington, DC. Discover key highlights, read inspiring insights from drumming legends, and gain an overview of activities took place October 11-13. Whether you’ve never heard of the event, couldn’t attend this year, or simply want to relive the experience, this recap offers something for everyone.
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The symposium in three sentences
The 2024 Global Symposium of Rudimental Drumming in Washington, DC, convened drummers from around the world to engage with the diversity of the drumming community and to shape its future direction.
Presentations, a competition, and networking opportunities enriched participants’ technical proficiency and deepened their passion for drumming as an art form.
The symposium encouraged an exchange of both traditional and innovative drumming techniques, connecting practitioners from diverse traditions such as Fife and Drum, Swiss drumming, Pipe Band drumming, and the DCI community.
Impression
The 2024 Global Symposium of Rudimental Drumming, organized by SIRD in collaboration with USARD provided me an inspiring opportunity to experience the technical and stylistic breadth of diverse drumming traditions. Exploring practices across American Fife and Drum, Swiss, and Pipe Band drumming illustrated how familiarity with various rudimental styles can deepen both drummers’ technical skills and musical expression. This multidimensional approach broadens creative potential, highlighting that true mastery in drumming arises from a wide-ranging grasp of global traditions. Also, just seeing some masters like the guys of The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, Kevin Donka and Jeff Prosperie doing their thing and perform, is a breathtaking and inspiring experience.
Who should attend next time?
If expanding your drumming expertise, connecting other drummers and the wider global drumming communities, or refining your technical and artistic skills is your goal, the Global Symposium of Rudimental Drumming is a must-attend event for you.
Drummers from all backgrounds—whether in Fife and Drum-style, Pipe Band, DCI, or Swiss traditions—will find inspiration through presentations, performances, and of course these moments with just a beer and a practice pad, that advance both mastery and creativity.
The symposium is ideal for those seeking to learn from diverse styles, engage with renowned instructors and clinicians, and build connections that will enhance their musical journey.
Next symposium will be organized around September/October 2026 and will be held in Helsinki, Finland.
How the symposium changed me
The symposium reawakened my extensive practice routine; witnessing the skill and artistry of drumming masters has motivated me to improve my own practice intensity and pursue higher skill levels.
Bill Bachman’s presentation highlighted the inherent imperfections of human mechanics compared to the natural physics of drumming. Inspired by his approach, I now aim to, as he puts it, “minimize me, maximize nature” in my playing—allowing stick rebound and drum mechanics to drive optimal sound quality.
Eivind Siljeholm talked about the variables of buzz strokes—hand speed and buzz opennes. This made me experiment with diverse sound textures, an approach that complements my goal of advancing in pipe band drumming as well (which I got inspired and excited about after the symposium - Thanks Tam Barnes).
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My top five quotes from the symposium
I regret that I don’t have the names of the speakers for the first two quotes, but they’re too good not to share:
“Silence can be louder than a snare hit at Fortissimo”
“Space is groove”
“Minimize me, maximize nature” - Bill Bachman on encouraging drummers to connect with the natural physics of drumming.
“Expand your vocabulary, because then you can say more interesting things,” - Jeff Prosperie on the importance of rudiments within musical expression and creativity.
“Practice the not so easy rudiments,” - Kevin Donka urging drummers to challenge themselves in their practice routines and for instance combine different rudiments.
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Beyond presentations
As said, participants experienced a range of presentations, workshops, and performances that highlighted both the richness of global drumming traditions and new ideas in technique and expression (especially the presentation of Kit Chatham on musical expression and performance was outstanding!) - but we also had a very good time outside of all that jazz. It was not just all professional networking and learning, it was also good fun.
Friday night featured the “Next Generation” Drum Competition, where emerging talent demonstrated their skill and creativity. The skill-level of all performers was incredible (not saying that about myself of course). The evening ended with an informal “Dumpster Jam,” allowing drummers to connect through spontaneous practice and exchange, that was just a lot of fun.
The Saturday evening started with an awards ceremony hosted by Brendan Mason and Mark Reilly, recognizing the achievements of dedicated members of the drumming community. Attendees enjoyed a barbecue dinner with live bluegrass music. The evening concluded at a bar, where we enjoyed a few beers and shared the many stories that each of us carries.
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Concluding thoughts
For me, the symposium was a powerful reminder of how rewarding it can be to witness true mastery in action and to learn directly from those pushing the boundaries of rudimental drumming. The ideas, skills, and connections gained over these three days served to renew my approach to drumming. The next symposium, set for 2026 in Helsinki, Finland, promises an equally rich experience for those eager to refine their craft and connect with a worldwide network of drummers. I hopefully see you there!
-Daan
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