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What does tradition mean?

Tradition plays a significant role in our community of rudimental drummers. While some may view it as old-fashioned and out of touch with modern society, tradition can provide valuable guidance for new generations and help to preserve our community's rich cultural heritage. In the realm of rudimental drumming, tradition serves several important functions. This blog explores the definition of tradition and its important role in our community of rudimental drummers.





A foundation for new generations

One key insight is that tradition provides a foundation for new generations to build upon. By learning and understanding past traditions, new generations can start at a higher level and have a deeper appreciation for our art form. This fosters a sense of continuity and connection with the past, which can be a powerful source of inspiration and motivation for the present and future. For example, the solo The Adventures of Joe 90 inspired the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps drummers to set a new standard for all their future work.


Understanding the evolution of rudimental drumming

Additionally, tradition helps to understand the evolution of (rudimental drumming) music over time. By examining past drum compositions, new generations can gain a better understanding of how music has developed and how it continues to shape our culture. This leads to a deeper appreciation for rudimental drumming as an art form and a better understanding of its role in our lives nowadays.


Preservation of knowledge and skills

Tradition also preserves the knowledge and skills of the past. Many musical and drumming traditions are passed down from one generation to the next through oral tradition, keeping the music alive and ensuring it is not lost to future generations. By learning and performing traditional drum compositions, new generations can not only appreciate the music of the past, but also help to keep it alive and relevant in the present. This is especially important for traditional rudimental drumming, which has a rich history and unique style rooted in tradition.


By learning and performing traditional drum compositions, new generations can not only appreciate the music of the past, but also help to keep it alive and relevant in the present.

A guide to new heights

Moreover, tradition serves as a guide for new generations to reach new heights. By understanding the foundations and principles of traditional drum compositions, new generations can build upon this foundation and explore new possibilities and styles. This creates a dynamic and vibrant drumming scene that is both rooted in tradition and open to innovation. After all, tradition should not be a burden, but a lamp that illuminates new generations and guides them to new heights.


Embracing tradition

Tradition is a deeply rooted belief or practice that has been passed down from one generation to the next. In the world of rudimental drumming, tradition serves as the foundation for newer generations to build upon. It preserves the knowledge and skills that have been honed over time while also guiding drummers to new heights.

Embracing tradition allows drummers to establish a sense of continuity and connection with the past, fostering a deeper appreciation for the art form. This appreciation, in turn, serves as a powerful source of inspiration and motivation for the present and future. Additionally, tradition can inspire innovation as drummers seek to put their own unique spin on the techniques and styles that have been passed down to them.


Tradition is not just a means of preserving the past, but also a catalyst for innovation and growth in the present and future.

Therefore, tradition is far from old-fashioned and out of touch with modern society. On the contrary, by combining the old with the new, drummers can create something truly special that both honors the past and pushes the boundaries of what is possible. In many ways, tradition is not just a means of preserving the past, but also a catalyst for innovation and growth in the present and future.



In conclusion, tradition is an important and useful aspect of society, especially in the realm of music and rudimental drumming. It provides a foundation for new generations to build upon, preserves the knowledge and skills of the past, helps to understand the evolution of music over time, and serves as a guide for reaching new heights. Embracing tradition creates a vibrant, dynamic and exciting drumming scene that is both grounded in the past and open to the future.

2 Comments


graemthew
Feb 26, 2023

I meant to say,don't be afraid of Tradition. Orchestras haven't stopped playing Beethoven and Mozart, but programme them alongside contemporary works.

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graemthew
Feb 25, 2023

Great article. Remember that Tradition was once 'cutting edge 'and pushed previous boundaries.

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