A/N: This is my first band fic ever, and I created a new name specifically for band fics! What fun! Right? *ahem* Anyway, I hope you all enjoy, and please R&R. I gain brownie points for each review! Thanks!

Disclaimer: The only real person I mention in here is our director, Mr. Sullivan. I do not own Sullivan, so don't think he's tied up in my closet or something. Because he's not.

Honest.

Drummer Lingo

By littledrummergirl (that's ME!)

Bandies: Have you ever heard a percussion tech talking to his drumline and go "Huh?"

You know what I mean. You'll be strolling by the drumline on your way to the field and you'll hear the guy: "I want that one part the snares do to be cleaner. You know, 'Gat digga digga gat da gat dut!' Like that…accent the train more…"

Directors do it too. I've heard them, and let's be honest drummers; even we don't know what they're saying all the time.

Example: "Can you, at 35, do more of a back beat before that fill? More like 'Ding DINGA ding DINGA Chit ta ta Ticka ta Thum?'"

Sometimes I've found myself behind a set wondering what Sulli's (my director) problem is. I'm often tempted to ask if he needs a Kleenex or a drink of water or SOMETHING after that…attempt at vocally conveying what the music should sound like.

But, as the drummer, you're elevated to demigod status, and the last thing I want to do is reveal that I don't know what the heck he just said. So I just nod, say "Okay," and pray that I make the set sound like 'Ding DINGA ding DINGA Chit ta ta Ticka ta Thum.' …only better.

However, in the land of marching band, I might be able to shed some light on interpretation of the garbled sentences a drummer or percussion tech may spew out at any given moment.

For starters, remember that every drumline and percussion tech is different. These are the ones our line uses, which may or may not be what your line uses.

'Gat': is a rim shot or accented note. These often come before or during a long string of 16th and/or 32nd notes.

'Da' 'Ta' 'Ga' 'Ka' 'Tat' 'Duh' 'Dat' and sometimes 'Dut': These are all any type of note. Often thrown into heaps with 'Gat's, (Ex. "Gat da da Gat ta Gat da Gat!") these change the most from drumline to drumline.

'Dut': is also a vocal sound for rests. During a run-through, if there is a series of rests in a row, often the percussion tech or section leader will 'Dut' to keep everyone on track.

'Digga' or Dugga': are both representations of rolls. Sometimes the g is rolled under the tongue for sustained rolls (Ex. "Dugggggggggga Dat!")

'Ding': Cymbal taps. Duh.

'Shinch': is pronounced 'she-inc' and is a form of cymbal slide/crash. You don't need the logic behind the techniques on cymbal playing; this is just a cymbal sound.

'Yay!': is an exclamation of happiness. Usually used after a good competition.

'Boo!': is an exclamation of displeasure. Usually used in mob mentality situations (Ex. Football games).

I hope this helps you understand your drumline better. Just remember, drummers may be people too, but approach with caution! ^_~V

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