I know this is a little late, but that was probably taught to you from a marching percussion perspective. However, CONCERT snare drum music is interpreted much differently than marching percussion music. In orchestral and concert music, ALL rolls (even ones with the diddle/slash notation) should be interpreted as crushed/buzz rolls, NOT as double stroke open rolls (unless it’s a military style march or the composer specifically states to use an open roll). Even drags notated with two grace notes should be played crushed (giving a “zot” sound). As far as roll interpretation in marching music, I’ve never heard of playing the last double notes as singles. I think you should just assume all rolls tied and untied should be interpreted the same. There is no musical reason to play the last notes as singles. I think most modern composers assume a roll is a roll so the absence or prescience of a tie on a roll is more or less composer preference. So for marching music at 120 bpm, a quarter note roll would be 4 double strokes then the release, regardless of whether or not it is tied. Hope that makes sense.

Furthermore, for marching music, I think that any composer wanting a roll to be played a specific way would notate that in the rhythms and sticking. That way there is no ambiguity. So, to summarize, single vs double strokes only applies in marching/rudimental percussion. For marching percussion, you should assume literal roll interpretation (ie play exactly as notated). However, in concert percussion, all rolls are buzzed unless specifically notated, therefore, single vs double strokes does not apply to that situation.

The way you described is the way I was taught as well so if you had a quarter note Roll, untied (A quarter note with 3 slashes through the stem) or free standing you would play 2/32 notes on “ONE”, 2/32 Notes on the “E” of “one”, 2/32 notes on the “AND” of “one “and one single 16th Note tap on the “AH” of “one” Would that work? anybody?! Thoughts anyone?

@@nealsausen4651 I teach it that way as well. IMO it matches up better with wind instrument note length. Also gives a definite end to the roll. (Much like a tambourine roll)

Look like a doo rag

it's just something to mute the drum with, which is very important in concert snare.