Field Music Standards for Drum
| Beginner Level: |
| – Anyone who is not yet at the below-listed Novice level. |
| Novice Level: |
| – Must know the first 13 of the 26 Basic Rudiments open. – Must be able to perform fairly well, and up to speed: – 5 stroke rolls – 7 stroke rolls – Flam, ruff, and paradiddle closed – Must have a good understanding of tempo, and keep a steady beat. – Must be able to beat two different marching cadences. – Must be able to beat at least two of the Reveille tunes from the Nevins’ manual. – Must be able to beat the following Duty drum beats to a level of proficiency which makes them recognizable other drummers, officers, and troops: – Drummers Call – The Assembly – The Long Roll – Three Cheers |
| Intermediate Level: |
| In addition to thoroughly mastering the requirements of the previous level (i.e., almost without mistakes): – Must know the remaining 13 of the 26 Basic Rudiments open. – Must be able to beat the first 13 Basic Rudiments and most of the remaining 13 closed. – Must be able to beat additional Duty Beats including: – Breakfast Call – Dinner Call – Adjutant’s Call – Tattoo – Drill Call – Must be able to beat the first part of the Reveille and at least two tunes from the Tattoo. – Must be able to play beats for at least 10 different tunes used in Civil War reenacting including Army 2/4, Army 6/8, and other commonly used beats. |
| Advanced Level: |
| In addition to thoroughly mastering the requirements of the previous level (i.e., almost without mistakes): – Must be able to correctly beat the remaining Camp Duty Beats from the Nevins’ manual. Note: It is likely that not all of the duty will be performed during the weekend. However, it is expected that an advanced drummer should be able to perform any and all of the Duty Music if and when approached. – Must be able to correctly beat the full Reveille and Tattoo. – Must be able to correctly perform the beats for an additional 15 Civil War tunes, including Merry Men Home from the Grave. |