Setting Up/Kicking Big Band Figures

Below is a great exercise for teaching drumset students how to “set-up” or “kick” big band figures occurring on any downbeat or upbeat using a 2-note fill. The 2-note fill makes it easy for the band to time their entrances correctly, and it is a great tool to have when sight reading. The 2-note rhythm to be used for each figure is shown in the bar(s) after each 4-measure exercise. This exercise can be used with swung or straight 8th note grooves, and is a great foundation for eventually playing more complicated set-up ideas.