ROBERT MARINO RAINBOW DIDDLES
for rudimental snare and bass drum duo
Rainbow Diddles by Robert Marino © 2025 Tapspace Publications, LLC (ASCAP). All rights reserved.
tapspace.com
Notice of Liability: Any duplication, adaptation, or arrangement of this composition requires the written consent of the copyright owner. No part of this composition may be photocopied or reproduced in any way without permission. Unauthorized uses are an infringement of the U.S. Copyright Act and are punishable by law.
TSPCD25-004
PROGRAM NOTES
Rainbow Diddles is pure drumming adrenaline. This crowd pleasing, high energy duet pushes performers to the limits of rhythmic precision and ensemble cohesion. With no margin for error, each player must execute their part with unwavering accuracy for the piece to come together as a seamless whole.
Written for and premiered by Robert Marino and Mike Dillman in 2020, it serves as a great recital piece for rudimental drummers at heart. Mike, at the time a bass drummer in the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, inspired me to write this piece as a recital opener and a showcase of rudimental drumming.
The title stems from the nickname Rainbow Dillman, earned during a high-speed tubing ride behind a boat. As the wind roared to 30 knots, the spray that was blown from the boat wake formed a complete rainbow around Mike in a surreal display of color and hilarity.
Rainbow Diddles is dedicated to Steve Kieffer, bass drum tech for the Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps from 1984 to 2008. Steve shaped generations of drummers with his unmatched motivation and deep knowledge of bass drumming. Under his leadership, the “Holy Bass” set the standard for bass lines in DCI for over 25 years.
—Robert Marino
INSTRUMENTATION NOTE
Rainbow Diddles calls for rudimental snare and bass drums. It was composed with rope tension drums in mind, and rope drums are preferred if available, but it is understandable that many do not have access to these drums, especially a rope bass drum. Modern marching drums may be used if necessary. If using modern drums, consider tuning them slightly lower than normal for a deeper sound.
NOTATION KEY
