"Swerve" for Solo Snare Drum by Gene Koshinski

"Swerve" was commissioned by Tom Sherwood for the 2017 Modern Snare Drum Competition. The composition is episodic and the title references the rapid change of ideas and diversions from the primary musical material, which keeps returning.
FAQ - the door stop (found at any home improvement store) is easily attached to the stick with one screw. More detail about door spring selection is in the score.
Score available here: squareup.com/store/gene-koshi...
www.genekoshinski.com
Video by Marc Hill
Audio by Gene Koshinski and Don Schraufnagel
MALLETS: Innovative Percussion CL-1 Maple Concert SD Stick, Koshinski Swerve Stick, Size 6 knitting needle
GEAR: 14"x6.5" Pearl Jimmy DeGrasso Signature Snare Drum (JD1455) Gold Plated Hammered Brass, Remo M-5 Coated Ambassador SD Head.
Because SO many people ask:
The stick is made with a 3-inch spring doorstop attached to a standard drumstick. The doorstop is found at a local hardware or home improvements store (Home Depot, Lowes, Menards, etc). Availability really varies in countries outside the US. The doorstop comes with 1 screw to mount the base of it to the stick. Some doorstops come with short screws and some come with longer ones. The screw should not go through the stick. So, you might want to switch out for a shorter screw if necessary. It's also important you pre-drill a small pilot hole, otherwise it will be very difficult to screw it to the hardwood stick. I've tried dozens of doorstops and some are better than others. They also stretch over time so older ones become more flexible (give it some time). It is best to find a model that had a wider base and goes to a thinner end (rather than those that a skinny throughout). It's ideal to try a few different kinds. Some of the best options I have found are from Menards - just like this:
www.menards.com/main/tools-ha...
The knitting needle in this video is Size 6.

[@muaythaibeatdown1]

So you're the one responsible for teaching my cat this at 3 am.

[@HiVizCamo]

More than likely he learned it from his cat, they're pretty advanced creatures.

[@jordanferguson4158]

LMFAO

[@MaddesG1]

im dying

[@kylebilly7071]

😭😭

[@shawnr26]

ROTFLMBO 😂😂😂😂

[@darkySp]

Percussion: The art of hitting things with other things in a specific way.

[@cristobalvergara8009]

In a rhythm

[@darkySp]

@@cristobalvergara8009 *a specific way*

[@MattHobsonDrummer]

I absolutely adore this piece. Most snare drum pieces sound like peas being poured on a snare drum. This is inventive, musical and dynamic. I shall be buying this for my performance diploma I plan to do.

[@genekoshinskimusic]

Thanks Matt, glad you dig it!

[@deez4132]

Howd it go

[@bongfetus1614]

Dude at 1:06 when he goes back into the part from before I was floored in a way that full orchestras can fail to excite me. I flat out paused it to leave this comment this is such an awesome piece

[@Mezurashii5]

Yeah, people writing classical music really can't write grooves to save their lives.

[@MaddesG1]

It tells an aming narative. Thats so kewl! i remember touching the snare with my hands one time and being told u dont play with hands. This guy just shut every music teacher who is underqualified to inspire the youth to play music up.

[@joguinness815]

This is how progressive and creative percussion should be done. This wasn’t innovative for the sake of innovation. This was pure passion for an idea and it was executed brilliantly.

[@olivecool]

me at 7 years old when i hit doorstop and it make funny noise

[@Mezurashii5]

What a talented 7yo you were to play this at that age.

[@koifish528]

hehe door stop go brr

[@yamondakawazuki8941]

Had my family convinced I could fart loud on command for a min teehee

[@minkorrh]

I'm 52. I still do it.

[@olivecool]

Argle Bargle aweome

[@sdjmalik]

I want that drum stick lol

[@interrexclamacion]

didn't expect you to be here.

[@KatzRool]

yoooo

[@aspennnnnnnn]

I'm pretty sure that's a knitting needle.

[@genewilliams617]

Too easy to make, and you will never find one in a music store.

[@whacktom8190]

I just need the snare drum; it’s beautiful

[@genekoshinskimusic]

Because SO many people ask: The stick is made with a 3-inch spring doorstop attached to a standard drumstick. The doorstop is found at a local hardware or home improvements store (Home Depot, Lowes, Menards, etc). Availability really varies in countries outside the US. The doorstop comes with 1 screw to mount the base of it to the stick. Some doorstops come with short screws and some come with longer ones. The screw should not go through the stick. So, you might want to switch out for a shorter screw if necessary. It's also important you pre-drill a small pilot hole, otherwise it will be very difficult to screw it to the hardwood stick. I've tried dozens of doorstops and some are better than others. They also stretch over time so older ones become more flexible (give it some time). It is best to find a model that had a wider base and goes to a thinner end (rather than those that a skinny throughout). It's ideal to try a few different kinds. Some of the best options I have found are from Menards - just like this: www.menards.com/main/tools-hardware/household-hardware/door-window-hardware/doorstops/national-hardware-reg-brass-spring-door-stop-2-pack/p-1444448889247-c-9686.htm?tid=-1250888735025165460&ipos=85

[@Davetarantino]

Hi Gene! I love this piece. What size knitting needle did you use in this video? Thanks.

[@colingilbert9249]

What kind of Cannabis were you on when you dreamed this up? One of the more inventive things I’ve seen. The drum sounds fantastic, too. Thanks.

[@JoePorterPercussion]

Very creative!! That looks like a blast to play :)

[@charlienawa4354]

The music must've been completely covered in instructional notes for all of this craziness

[@MatveyAndreyev]

Or just a KZbin link to a reference performance.

[@whacktom8190]

No it’s probably improvised

[@charlienawa4354]

A jazz Drummer no, it’s completely notated properly. i have seen the score, and also it’s a solo concert piece it would defeat the purpose to credit the composer if the whole thing is improvised.

[@chrisg6492]

@@whacktom8190 it is not improvised

[@etc.3062]

"I'm gonna go to sleep on time tonight." Me at 3 am: this

[@DreamingInSlowMotion]

5:09am for me

[@SamsonTheMaid]

@@DreamingInSlowMotion 5:12... pathetic

[@signisot5264]

It’s only 2 30 for me... I can’t tell if that’s impressive or embarrassing

[@3oore]

@@signisot5264 why not both

[@scowell]

Apparently the other 'stick' is a knitting needle... one hesitates to ask what brand and gauge.

[@aaronrogers9153]

Size 6

[@TheDieselndust]

It’s a swish-kabob stick

[@mal2ksc]

I'm not sure knitting needles will ever be popular among those who value their drum heads, but the door stopper on a stick is an idea that should be pursued further.

[@airman1943]

Knitting needles are prized by percussionists :) But usually in gongs and cymbals.

[@owenfisher102]

It’s not like he’s stabbing it

[@charlesparr3296]

I was thinking the same thing, a knitting needle is very pointed, I'd be concerned about tearing through the drum head. But I guess that's why this guy is a professional.

[@onlyrick]

@@charlesparr3296 - You notice he carefully didn't put out his eye either. A pro his mother can appreciate.

[@chrisg6492]

@@charlesparr3296 He's not even hitting the drum with the pointed part, he's hitting it at an angle.

[@zenarobinson3851]

doorstop music at its best!!

[@huss03]

I've got to get more doorstops into my life

[@dervishcapkiner6679]

David Bruce brought me here and I'm very glad of it. Now hearing the whole piece in context I feel it's not only a brilliant example of original approach to the instrument but doffs it's cap ( or perhaps subconsciously ) to the traditional music and instruments of Brazil with a more straight/classical feel - IMO. Great work - loved it!

[@finerz321]

yo this is ridiculously good! it's so full of character and movement and fun! Really gives off a "getaway driver" vibe, for me at least.

[@MM-vs2et]

Great job recreating the turn signal sound with added ghost notes

[@uvi_music]

Martin Anthonio16 where in the vid?

[@d0uchebaggie]

Me: watches this. Wife: "why are you ripping the door stop off the wall!?"

[@eliznaomistuart]

Awesome piece! I like the incorporation of hand drumming techniques, with the inventive tool adaptations and of course the very cool composition. Well done!

[@sanityinaseaofmadness7353]

This was fantastic! More percussionists need to push the boundaries beyond what the west has come to expect from the instrument. As a drummer, I'll find the sweet spot on several pieces of furniture in my office, and get a nice little melody going - just like I used to do before I took my first lesson. Benny Greb has done some really nice stuff in his DVDs, showing the rhythmic potential of car doors and coffee spoons, etc. This composition is spot-on in terms of creativity AND replayability. Thanks for posting it!

[@wesleysnellgrove]

This is one reason I love percussion. We're literally all innovative racket makers. You can't come up with something like this without just constantly going around beating and banging ON AND WITH random items. In case doctors haven't noticed, THIS IS the cure for ADHD. HAHA! Love the creativity and skill. Major respect!

[@DorianDavisddd]

All the experimental sounds are fascinating

[@User-fv1jx]

This is the first solo snare drum piece I listened to more than once

[@krispy_kremer9388]

Unlike anything i've ever seen before so cool man! I love the sound of pearl snares!

[@marcimarc203]

I really love how you have one part to which u occasionally come back when it's not directly expected and it allways makes me smile when u do that. Not only in this piece but in any one you play it's a cool thing to do.

[@ornleifs]

Wow, love this - like that the drumstick was marked "innovative Percussion" - so fitting for this piece.

[@harrisonfotidrums]

Easily the most creative snare drum solo I've ever seen. Bravo 👏👏👏

[@JonathanSinger]

I'm blown away. Percussive. Musical. Innovative. This was amazing. Thank you.

[@andy88bali]

I love your compositions! There is no end to your creative ideas for extended technique! 🙏🙏🙏

[@DirkRadloff]

Great to see somebody still pushing the boundaries of an instrument

[@rubenfernandezcampos8648]

I never suspected that so many different textures and sounds could come out of a single snare drum! Amazing!

[@FTTPRO]

What happens when you leave a snare player at home alone for a day?

[@FreterP]

Imagine the pieces that must've come out of this man now!

[@krisluna32]

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) I came here to make the same joke, nice work bud

[@kermittingmurder7897]

𓆏

[@arothmanmusic]

That’s fantastic! A unique concept, great performance, and fantastic tones. 👏🏼

[@mason11198]

I can safely cite you as the greatest percussionist of our age. You frankly fascinate me in what you can do

[@zerodamonsta942]

Instant subbed for the uniqueness of this

[@anthonycurtola]

I'm really enjoying your incredibly inventive percussion compositions and superb playing skills!

[@HitchedBug]

I feel that this is what a cat would play if it was a percussionist

[@AnimationShortsAP]

Amazing how musical this performance is

[@goots6278]

So much control and speed! Really nice and great ideas too!

[@GabrielOliveiraTube]

Mind blowing!!! Really pushed the boundaries of music

[@randalwashburn]

So many colors and sounds from a single snare drum. Awesome! Love your signature endings too.

[@stickyvenom73]

It may just be because quarantine has completely destroyed my sleep schedule and I’m very tired right now but a lot of this felt like asmr lmao

[@RafikMankariosDrumStudio]

This outstanding drummer took "textural drumming" to another level! Bravo! Wonderful playing!

[@drummuschi]

Fantastic ! Full of groove on one drum only ! Big Big Respect 👍👍👍👍🥁™️

[@carloscastenada1]

ha! brilliant, playful, and innovative. every one of your pieces is a complete composition that tells a story without relying on a ton of pyrotechnic chops. really refreshing.

[@gw8278]

What a master playing a masterful piece. Most excellent man!

[@hingginchu]

This is brilliant. So ingenuous at the same time so musical. Thank you.

[@NickBatinaComposer]

That was absolutely insane🤟🤟 great piece!

[@brangusbrangus1802]

This was incredible to watch

[@Parkouralicous]

This man is insane! Could score an entire film with a single snare drum-perhaps a MacGyver reboot.

[@derekrivers3745]

This is highly creative. And super fun. I will be sharing this. Thank you!

[@KaranChitraDeshmukh]

dude!!!! this is insane . Thankyou so much for inspiring me!

[@Ailasor]

so you managed to make asmr out of drums... mind blown...

[@genewilliams617]

I made a piece with 10 of the flex door stops and a scrap piece of 2x4. Placed in 2 rows of 5. Drilled a hole in the middle and mounted it to a cymbal stand. When swiping a drumstick across the tops, it makes a vibra slap type sound, which I like. I have a vibra slap mounted on my conga rig, but it's difficult to hit it with a drumstick accurately on my regular drum kit. So I improvised and it works quite well.

[@jonahcruz2356]

You should post a vid of you using it. It sounds sick

[@damienbassman]

This is really freaking great. Musical, challenging, accessible. Where were these types of solos when we were in school?! Nice work, Gene.

[@scoobee9]

Simply Masterful.

[@fmaugurati]

This is like the epitome of ASMR drumming.

[@Jamesrmello]

This is genius. Thanks posting and great playing!

[@cuppalightroast]

i wish more drummers had exposure to this type of approach

[@lacogonzalez]

You are doing virtuoso stuff here Mr Koshinski !!! Keep on creating art and keep on chillin !!!

[@pinkbaron3602]

2:34 oh thats pretty cool 2:36 WHAT IN SWEET JESUS IS THAT NOISE

[@ChronicalV]

Have you never messed around with rulers in school? It used to piss teachers off but it was fun figuring out the relative pitches and how it translated to length

[@SSRT_JubyDuby8742]

Thoroughly enjoyable 🙂🎶🥁🎶

[@evanmauch438]

What a beautiful drum

[@Mukundanghri]

Thank you David Bruce, you led me here.

[@ksiu-sha-39]

Wow! The magic of percussion!

[@tsf5-productions]

Now...how clever can a drummer be? Next time I look at my door stops in my home, I'll have to just do a "quickie bong" and a couple of beats on the door! LOL! This is a clever piece with style! I love it!

[@user-og1jm8bp8l]

you know i like this because he uses different implements than just drumsticks. its fresh and unique not too many people think of stuff like that

[@brianchisnell1548]

5 decade snare drummer says? BRAVO!!

[@alexanderlicalzi9447]

Please more, it’s so interesting what ur doing, it’s definitely not ur typical snare piece

[@jarrahdrum]

Mesmerising for me. Thank you ☺️

[@brooksnicols2411]

Thanks for sharing the details of your hardware selection in the description..

[@guidozaccagnini]

Grandissimo controllo delle mani e della mente! Bravissimo

[@user-ui1lj8vi1y]

Coolest thing I've heard and seen in a long while. Very interesting 🤔

[@dkpianist]

Never running out on ideas. Amazing and very entertaining. I'm eager to find out what you can do on a full kit.

[@Ihitthings3]

Wow…. That’s was freaking cool!

[@karlstrasen4758]

That "ticking clock" sound is awesome!

[@-max-6429]

This is just Groovy!!!

[@moonstonebeagle8267]

Me, a drummer, seeing the use of a doorstop in a lyrical snare piece: "well now I want to do it" Never in my life have I not gotten bored by a snare solo longer than 3 minutes. This is a first.

[@matthewhargitt9782]

nice tambres being produced!!! love it man!

[@themuffinman751]

This solo is so dope!!!

[@stanhegeman8751]

Beautiful

[@steveolsondrums9363]

Brilliant!

[@ferdinandstrat]

This basically esoteric, musical ASMR On the one hand, great source of tingles. On the other, a beautiful performance of rhythm and timbre

[@janiruuwansith1871]

Superb idea

[@michaelhayes690]

Brilliant! At first it reminded me of the classic Jo Jones crossed stick solo. But, you really took it somewhere different and innovative. Thanks.

[@rodboudreau3982]

Very entertaining and original

[@Ferrichrome]

Doorstopwave. This is absolutely wonderful ❤️

[@Danfromoverthere]

Pretty damn awesome sir

[@formattester6]

very inventive!

[@olivernagy3609]

Love it!!

[@loveberlin77]

Really awesome

[@666finnegan]

That was fun!

[@oldrigenovy]

Wow this is not only original but it's a really solid composition

[@johnnylane9441]

This video is smooth, I really like the intro

[@stonedapesociety5628]

Wow big thanks!!

[@papapoodo6685]

BRILLIANT.

[@Captain-Mayday]

2 weeks into the coronavirus lock down, out comes this solo.

[@gavinwild2647]

Man, that's a fun little piece!

[@matthewv789]

Love it!

[@ianschoolcraft8056]

sounds like a car blinker remix, jokes aside this is awesome

[@ACLOCKWORKDRUMMER]

nice to hear new sounds gene!!!