Paradiddle City Drumline Cadence

Tempo

Moderate marching tempo that allows groove to shine. Great for staying locked in while on the move.

Rudiments

Paradiddles appear everywhere—often in layered rhythms. Variants like paradiddlediddles, RRRLs, and 6-stroke rolls challenge consistency and flow.

Stickings

Written stickings are key, especially in trade-offs and building tension. Alternating patterns dominate, with some hybrid interpretations required.

Rhythm / Syncopation

Strong backbeat foundation with rhythmic embellishments that elevate the groove. Sections like “Edge6” and “Tagonomics” demand accuracy and feel.

Snare Complexity

Clean paradiddles and dynamic taps form the core. No blazing fast licks, but plenty of exposed, musical phrases that test interpretation.

Tenor Complexity

High-motion, sweeping lines with complex phrasing. “Quadadiddle-Ups” and layered visuals push technical ability and choreography.

Bass Complexity

“4’s,” alternating splits, and punchy groove figures across all five voices. Demands tight teamwork and low-end accuracy.

Cymbal Complexity

Plays a supporting role. Mostly crashes and slides, with opportunities for synchronized visuals and light layering.

Ensemble Coordination

Tradeoffs and layering require timing awareness, especially between tenors and basses. Entrances are clear and teachable.

Endurance

Medium-length cadence with balanced difficulty across sections. Repetitive phrasing builds stamina without burnout.