(Re)Learn the Classic Massed Bands Scores (Correctly)

We all know them—the timeless massed bands scores. They're fun to play, versatile with just about any march, and they groove effortlessly with other drummers - even if they're not from our own band.

But here's the truth: most of us learned these scores too early in our drumming journey. We rushed through them, picked up bad habits, and misunderstood key rudiments and musical fundamentals.

The result? We’re not playing them as well as we could be. And, in the end, it makes drumming less fun when we're not playing to our potential.

There’s so much value in these scores when they’re played correctly.

But how do you unlearn those ingrained habits and finally play them the way they were meant to be? That's where our "Massed Bands Scores" course comes in. In this course, we’ll break it all down and show you how to master the massed bands scores—correctly, musically, and with precision.

What's in the course?

In this Dojo University online course, renown drumming instructor Ed Best will guide you through a proven, step-by-step method to rebuild your massed bands scores from the ground up. Each module will focus on one of the classic massed bands scores, breaking it down into clear, manageable layers:

1. Fundamental Rhythms – Get the basics right with solid timing and clarity.
2. Rudiment Framework – Introduce core rudiments and build them into the rhythm.
3. Buzzes & Bounces – Refine control with proper use of buzzes and bounces.
4. Accents & Rolls – Learn how to read roll abbreviations and add accents for more musicality.
5. Gracenotes & Smoothing Rolls – Add the finishing touches with gracenotes and seamless roll transitions.

By focusing on these "learning layers," you'll unlearn bad habits and build your scores the right way—fully in control, fully musical.

Meet Your Instructor: Ed Best

Ed is a 40+ year veteran of snare drumming, 'A' level drumming and ensemble judge (WUSPBA / EUSPBA), and a qualified educator with a B.A. in Music Education and Percussion, who has won North American Champion, East Coast Champion Supreme, Ontario Champion Supreme, West Coast Champion of Champions, and Canadian Champion. Ed has placed in Grade 1 at the World Pipe Band Championships, previously served on the Music Board of WUSPBA and is currently the WUSPBA Southern Branch President. His valuable drumming expertise has helped our piping students master rhythm since Ed joined the Dojo team as our rhythm guru in 2020.