The correct sequence of breakaway counts for one, two, three, and four drums is:

The correct sequence of breakaway counts for one, two, three, and four drums is:

• A. 1, 1, 2, 3
• B. 1, 3, 1, 2
• C. 1, 1, 3, 2
• D. 1, 2, 1, 3

Answer: (C)

Breakaway counts control the timing of when each drum steps out as you break the line into individual elements. The aim is to keep the overall cadence steady while giving enough space for every drum to clear the formation. For a single drum, you only need a quick cue to start. When two drums break away, a second quick cue helps maintain a tight cadence while still giving each drum a clear start. As you add a third drum, the third needs a longer lead so it can establish separation behind the first two without crowding them. Finally, with four drums, the fourth gets a final adjustment to fit smoothly into the exiting flow, balancing pace and spacing. That balance is why the sequence ends up 1, 1, 3, 2: quick starts for the first two, a longer lead for the third to ensure proper separation, and a last, smaller adjustment for the fourth to finish the breakaway cleanly.

Breakaway counts control the timing of when each drum steps out as you break the line into individual elements. The aim is to keep the overall cadence steady while giving enough space for every drum to clear the formation.

For a single drum, you only need a quick cue to start. When two drums break away, a second quick cue helps maintain a tight cadence while still giving each drum a clear start. As you add a third drum, the third needs a longer lead so it can establish separation behind the first two without crowding them. Finally, with four drums, the fourth gets a final adjustment to fit smoothly into the exiting flow, balancing pace and spacing.

That balance is why the sequence ends up 1, 1, 3, 2: quick starts for the first two, a longer lead for the third to ensure proper separation, and a last, smaller adjustment for the fourth to finish the breakaway cleanly.