Think Before You Stick: Orchestral Snare Drum Sticking and Musicality
- Nathan Coles
- May 1
- 4 min read
Small Rhythms. Big Decisions.
When it comes to playing snare drum in an orchestra, it’s easy to assume the challenge lies in mastering fast rudiments or high-intensity excerpts. But according to London Philharmonic Orchestra percussionist Henry Baldwin, the real artistry often lies in the simplest material. In this blog post, Henry offers a fresh perspective on how subtle decisions—like sticking choices and grace note interpretation—can bring orchestral snare drum parts to life.
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Meet Your Instructor
Henry Baldwin is a Black Swamp Artist and professional percussionist with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and he wants to help you become a more expressive orchestral snare drummer.
Henry’s experience performing some of the most iconic works in the orchestral repertoire has taught him this surprising truth:
“Most of what we do in the orchestra looks simple on paper. But sounding musical? That’s the real challenge.”
In this lesson, Henry shares his approach to unlocking expression through seemingly easy rhythms—giving student percussionists the tools to make musical decisions with confidence and creativity.
Why Simple Rhythms Matter
If you’re preparing for orchestral excerpts, honor band auditions, or concert performances, you might be tempted to focus on fast, complex passages. But the real test of a great snare drummer isn’t how flashy your playing is—it’s how musical you can make something that looks easy.
Take this rhythm:
♪ ♬ (eighth note + two sixteenths)
This shows up all over the orchestral repertoire. It’s basic—but the way you play it can completely change how the music sounds.
To play it well, you need to think about:
Time feel and placement
Articulation and touch
The ensemble around you
The style of the piece
Your sticking choices
And yes—your sticking really matters.
One Rhythm, Four Ways to Play It
Here’s where things get interesting.
Henry demonstrates four different ways to stick the same rhythm, each producing a slightly different feel and character:
Sticking | Description | Use Case Example |
RLR, LRL | Hand-to-hand, very natural feel | Smooth lines, flexible phrasing |
RRL | Right-hand dominant | More pointed, bold sound |
RLL | Emphasizes downbeat, softens ending | Great for lighter touches |
RLR RLR | Accents the inner rhythm | Pushes the energy forward |
🎧 Try this: Record yourself playing the same two-bar phrase using different stickings. Which version feels the best? Which one fits the style better?
Mastering the Four-Stroke Ruff Sticking
Another core rhythm you’ll encounter as a student is the four-stroke ruff: two grace notes followed by two full-value strokes.
Henry breaks it down by showing four sticking variations, each with its own character and use:
Sticking | Feel | Ideal For |
RLLR | Henry’s go-to sticking | Balanced and clear |
LRLR | Even and symmetrical | Practice control and accuracy |
RRLR | Right-hand bounce | Lively, energetic playing |
LLRR | Very open and soft | Delicate, exposed passages |
Beyond sticking, you can also experiment with:
Grace note spacing (tight vs. open)
Accent direction (does the phrase grow or taper?)
Hand motion and rebound
🎯 Practice Tip: Play each sticking slowly and observe how your sound changes depending on the context—then apply your favorite to an excerpt you’re working on.
Think Like a Musician
As a student percussionist, you’re not just developing technique—you’re building your musical voice. That means learning how to make smart, intentional decisions, even when the part looks simple.
Henry’s advice?
“Don’t play it the way you always play it. Ask: What is the music asking for here?”
Your sticking is a tool for expression, not just execution. With a flexible approach, you can blend better with the ensemble, phrase more naturally, and give every note a sense of purpose.
Student Action Plan
Want to apply this in your own practice? Here’s a simple way to start:
Pick a familiar rhythm or excerpt
(something with grace notes or common subdivisions)
Try 2–3 different stickings
(use Henry’s examples above as a starting point)
Record and compare
Listen for tone, feel, and phrasing
Choose the best fit for the music
Not just what feels easiest!
Repeat with new excerpts each week
🗓️ Challenge yourself: For one month, keep a “Sticking Journal.” Document what choices you made and why—and how the music improved because of it.
Bonus: What Gear Is Henry Using?
In this lesson, Henry plays a 25th Anniversary Multisonic Snare Drum by Black Swamp, paired with Kentville kangaroo hide heads. This setup gives him incredible sensitivity and control, especially at soft dynamics and near the edge of the drum.
🧐 Why it matters:
Multisonic hardware allows for quick adjustments to snare response
Kangaroo hide provides a crisp attack without harsh overtones
Edge playing becomes more expressive and nuanced
You don’t need pro gear to apply these concepts—but it’s cool to see what the pros are using and why.
Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about growing as a percussionist, don’t wait for “hard” music to start making musical decisions. Start now—with the simple stuff.
These rhythms are your training ground. The more you explore, experiment, and reflect, the better your instincts will become when the pressure’s on.
So the next time you see an eighth + two sixteenths or a four-stroke ruff…
🔥 Ask yourself:
“What’s the best way to play this?”
That’s how you go from playing notes to playing music.
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