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Hexyl was written in the spring of 2014 in preparation for an upcoming drum set clinic tour entitled “perSEEve your music”. The original purpose of the piece was to show the listener how a single theme (presented in the first two measures) can serve as the sole compositional element for the entire piece. This solo also demonstrates how the listener can perceive the theme as being present even without an explicit statement.

The letters that comprise the title of the piece are taken from the names of each of the four schools on the clinic tour: “H” and “E” (Edgewood High School), “X” (Xavier University), “Y” (Youth Performing Arts School), and “L” (University of Louisville). A basic bop kit (snare, bass, two toms, hi-hat, ride, and crash) is all that is needed. 

Tapspace Product Description:
In Hexyl, composer Chad Floyd delivers a tasty drumset solo full of melody, dynamic nuance, and groove. Using a simple 4-piece bop setup, the piece begins at a whisper with the main theme on just the cymbals. Over the course of the introduction, this main theme is developed around the kit until it is firmly entrenched in the listener’s ear. At this point, the thematic explorations take on more complexity without losing the listener. Following a standard arc, the solo ends as it begins.

There is a high degree of accessibility inherent in this work, as the entire thing grooves along at a very moderate tempo. This makes Hexyl an ideal choice for developing performers looking to further their musicality on the instrument while solidifying timekeeping skills.

Equipment used in video ….
Pearl Masters shell pack, maple shells (12-14-18″)
Pearl Masters Snare, maple (14″x5.5″)
Remo White Suede Ambassadors on tom tops
Remo Clear Diplomats on tom bottoms
Remo Coated Ambassador on snare top
Remo Clear Ambsdr. “snare side” on sd bottom
Remo Suede Powerstroke 3 on kick
Zildjian 13″ K Custom Dark Hi-Hats
Zildjian 16″ K Custom Dark Crash
Zildjian 20″ K Custom Dark Ride
Innovative Percussion Legacy Series 5A sticks
Canon EOS 7D camera
Shure SM57 for snare
Shure Beta 98ADC for toms
Shure Beta 52A for kick
Shure SM81LC for overheads
Pro Tools
Apple Macbook Pro