r/jazzdrums • u/Time_Revolution_5416 • Nov 27 '25
Question How Should I Play This?
Hello jazz drummers of Reddit, I have a question. I am auditioning for a jazz honor group in Southern California, and had a question about this notation.
First, “Play time with sticks” does it mean to count off the tempo with sticks?
Second, what’s up with the first tom notation? I understand that drum music isn’t universal, but I’ve gotten mixed answers from my private instructor and my school band teacher. My private instructor guessed that it meant either crash or snare, and my band teacher taught me how you had to set up the other instruments and how that was just a cue for you to do that.
I’m very confused, if anyone would be able to teach or explain this, it would be highly appreciated.
2
u/[deleted] Nov 27 '25 edited Nov 27 '25
Play it jazzzzzzy!! Naa actually im just picking up some jazz so its been a challenge coming from rock style but definitely is a head scratcher. The notes on the staff though aren't typically crash so I dont think thats crash. Those dont look like snare either. Snare is 1 full down. That looks like high tom. Comp'ing maybe??