multiple bounce roll in music meaning

Meaning of Multiple Bounce Roll in Music

A multiple bounce roll, also known as a buzz roll or closed roll, is a drum rudiment that involves creating multiple bounces on each hand alternately, quickly and repeatedly. It is commonly used in marching band settings but can also be used in solos, creative beats, and fills on a drum kit.

The aim of a multiple bounce roll is to reproduce the effect of a sustained note on an instrument that inherently produces a short, staccato sound. The repeated notes in a multiple bounce roll are played with a non-specific number of bounces, allowing the sticks to bounce freely on the drumhead.

To mitigate the loss of sound and create a more even volume in a multiple bounce roll, drummers use special techniques such as overlapping the third bounce from one hand with the first bounce of the other hand. This creates the illusion of more even volume between the bounces.

Overall, the multiple bounce roll adds texture, dynamics, and sustained sound to drumming performances, enhancing the musical expression and creating a unique rhythmic effect.

References: Source: 'How To Play A Multiple Bounce Roll - Drumeo Beat' Source: 'Drum roll - Wikipedia'

A standard drum rudiment in the category of roll rudiments and the sub-category of multiple bounce roll rudiments that creates a sustained sound on a percussion instrument by rapidly alternating one stroke from each drumstick, each stroke incorporating multiple bounces (four bounces per stroke). This is also known as a long roll. The sticking pattern shown below is the accepted method of producing a multiple bounce roll.

The multiple bounce roll has many variations and can be played as an open roll (a multiple bounce roll with fewer than three bounces from each stroke), or closed roll (a multiple bounce roll with a minimum of three bounces from each stroke). More bounces provide a tighter sound to the roll. Other variations include the rudimental roll (a multiple bounce roll with two bounces from each stroke) and the buzz roll or press roll (a multiple bounce roll with more than three bounces from each stroke).

The symbol "Z" shown on the stem of the note on the written example designates the multiple bounce roll.

See more about multiple bounce roll rudiments in the Appendix.