Grade 7 Music Lesson: Buena Havana

Introduction

Today, we're diving into Buena Havana, a fantastic Latin piece! The core of this piece revolves around the cascara rhythm, which we'll be practicing heavily.

Key Rhythms to Practice

Cascara Rhythm

• This rhythm is foundational, so spend some time practicing it on its own.

Clave Variations

• Two-Three Song Clave (1, 1)
  • Features a slight twist, so be cautious!
• Three-Two Song Clave
  • This one flips the clave around.

Combining Elements

At B, we'll combine the cascara on the ride cymbal with the two-three song clave on the cross stick:

• Cross Stick Technique
  • Ensure a solid click that cuts through the music.
  • Experiment to find the right place on your snare drum (about an inch to an inch and a half from the end of the stick).

Understanding the Groove

• This groove mimics the roles of different percussionists within a Latin ensemble.
• Remember, the drum kit originated from jazz music, not Latin music. Thus, we are essentially replicating a percussion section's part.

Tips for Independence

• Start with the cascara, then add the clave, followed by the bass drum, and eventually the hi-hat.
• If you're struggling, practice with your hands first before bringing in the bass drum.
• Keep everything balanced:
  • The cascara should be strong; the tumbao must not trail behind.

Further Development

Adding Hi-hat

At 13, introduce the hi-hat on beats 1 and 3:

• This is a great coordination exercise.
• Commonly, hi-hat can also be added on 2 and 4, but we'll start with 1 and 3 for grounding.

Transitioning to Mambo

At C, we'll move to the bell with a Mambo-style rhythm using the toms:

• Watch your timing and orchestration.

Exploring New Techniques

At D, we switch to a songo feel:

• This often involves not playing on the one.
• Pay attention to snare accents, especially on the forehand.

Development and Breakdown

• Develop on repeat and consider adding faster doubles to enrich the context.
• At E, notice that your bass drum and bass guitar must sync, and be attentive to the rapid five-stroke rolls on the hi-hat.

Drum Solo at F

For the drum solo at F:

• Catch the written hits during the first pass.
• Play over them the second time. This creates a tight ensemble sound when playing with a live band.

Transitioning to the Trumpet Solo

• We'll quiet down and play on the rim of the floor tom.
• We go back to a cascara rhythm with a 3-2 song clave.

Bringing Back the Kick

At 64, we reintroduce the kick drum, primarily playing a tumbao pattern:

• It occurs on 2 and 4: 1, 1, 1, 1.

Final Sections and Techniques

• At 72, we shift to the bell, blending Mambo and cascara styles.
• When it says to develop, move the left foot to 2 and 4 on the hi-hat while maintaining a Mambo pattern for extra kick.

Creative Expression

Feel free to add tom fills or rim shots to enhance the Latin influence. This creates a vibrant sound!

Listening Recommendations

To truly understand the style, check out:

• Tito Puente
• Horacio Hernandez
• Buena Vista Social Club
• Arturo Sandoval

Listening to these artists is essential; it will deepen your understanding and improve your playing.

Conclusion

That wraps up today's lesson! Enjoy practicing and have fun with the music!