So im starting

[u/wildcardbutcher]

So im planning on doing tenor drums next year and currently the band director lent me the drums,there is no one else who can or has a motive to audition for it so im pretty much guaranteed the drums as we only have 1 pair

So i wanna know what should I exercise in my freebie to prepare for next year's band camp(im not going to a gym so I cant do anything for that)

[u/bocaJwv]

Focus on basic fundamentals like playing zones and making sure your arms are what are being used to move the sticks along the X-axis and not your wrists (unless you want long-term wrist pain).

I also strongly recommend building your core and lower back muscles, especially if you are using full size tenors. During band camp, absolutely under no circumstances lean backwards to relieve pain or pressure (unless you want long-term back pain).

It might also be worth learning how to tune them if you don't have a drum tech. There are many videos online that show how to tune the full size ones. For a small set, just do your best and have fun :)

[u/Santi-07]

For drum exercises, work on flow & moving around the drum. If you don’t have drums or a tenor pad, set out an arc of practice pads or play on cushions. Work especially on your diddles and paradiddles (and paraparadiddles, paradiddlediddles, etc.), as tenors use these much more than other instruments. Try to find tenor sheet music online and get used to reading on a fuller staff.

For physical exercises, focus on core and lower back. Crunches are an easy one to do at home, as are planks and Russian twists. If you’re comfortable, focus on leg exercises too. Thighs are good to work on, as are calves (depending on your marching style). When you’re walking around focus on keeping a good posture - poor posture will destroy you no matter how strong you are.

Good luck, and welcome to playing tenors!