AD note names in step sequencer

You could use drum maps HOWEVER, and some folks do.  I used to use them, but kept having problems with editing clips I had recorded with drum maps in Step Sequencer.  I would open up a clip, and it would be empty - sometimes.
 
Apparently, where you click on the clip to open it changes the behavior of Step Sequencer.  Clicking on the wrong part of the clip will open up a brand new empty clip that I guess would sit on top of the one you had recorded earlier.  It seems you have to click (I think I recall this correctly) on the far right side - might even be upper or lower corner of the right side, to get it to work properly with the clip you made already.
 
For ME, it was too much of a giant pain in the rear, so I just created a little Word document with a table with the note names, note numbers, and kit piece names, along with a track template for each kit I use.  The template has each kit piece routed to its own pair of outputs, and also has all the associated audio tracks and routing assignments for Sonar, along with a single midi track for all the drum clips.
 
I didn't have too much trouble just learning the note name associations to the corresponding it pieces, but as I am typing this I am thinking I will give another shot to using drum maps and see if I can get the clicking on the right spot on existing clips to be automatic enough to work.
 
Also, Piano Roll View may be a much faster way for you to create and edit your drum parts, and lots of folks use this approach, rather than Step Sequencer.  Drum maps also work inside of Piano Roll View.
 
Anyways, drum maps MAY work for you - give them a shot and see if they meet your needs.
 
Bob Bone