Marching and Orchestral Style PlayingUse a marching style to achieve strength and accuracy. A marching style is a great way to build your chops. An orchestral style is used to achieve a more musical sounding play.
Marching Style
Tighter style used for strength. | Orchestral Style
Looser more musical style. |  |  |
Marching StyleWith a marching style you hold the stick tighter than with an orchestral style. The goal of a marching style is to try to hit through the drum head with tremendous accuracy and strength. - For match style, your middle finger is your focal point.
- Wrap fingers all the around the stick.
- Very little to no arm movement.
- Hold each stick head about 1 inch from the drum head. The starting position.
- The stroke goes from the starting position, stroke up, stroke down, hit through the drum head, then return back to starting position.
- Your focus is on hitting through the drum head.
Marching = Middle FingerThe focal point for a marching grip is the ring finger. 
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Marching Style Demo
242 KB wmv Orchestral StyleWith an orchestral style, you hold the stick somewhat loosely. Your goal is to bounce the stick head off of the drum. - For match style, your pointing finger is your focal point.
- Your middle, ring, and pinky fingers should dangle closely to the stick. The faster you play, the looser these fingers.
- Arm movement is encouraged especially with accents.
- Hold each stick head about 7 inches or so above the drum head.
- The stroke goes from the starting position, stroke down, bounce off head, back to starting position.
- Your focus is on bouncing the stick head off the drum head.
Orchestral = Pointing FingerOrchestral right hand focal point: 
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Orchestral Style Demo
299 KB wmv AdviceTips and Suggestions- Use a marching style to build your chops and when playing a marching instrument.
- Use an orchestral style when playing non-marching instruments such as a drum set.
- When playing with an orchestral style, you can use a modified marching style for extra strength and endurance when needed. For example with accents.
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