Worship Band - The Drummer's Job

Adapted from a clinic taught by Jerry Tyson.  jerrytyson@earthlink.net

• The Drummer / Aux Percussion is the bus by which the entire band must travel
• In a worship band setting, the drummer is in charge of time
• The Aux Percussionist enhances and intensifies the rhythmic motion in a song
• Djembes, cajones, congas, timbales, shakers, tambourines, and triangles are all instruments which can bring a great deal of depth to a song
• The Drummer and Percussionist must have good time and good feel
• A metronome or drum machine is a necessary tool to use to help internalize one's time feel
• Most all of the larger more popular bands are using a click track or drum machine to keep everyone on the same page and even to enhance the music by adding drum loops
• Good technique is essential for good time and endurance
• Bad technique can wear a drummer out quicker than anything and if the drummer begins to get tired the time will begin to slow down
• Good visual communication is key to a drummer's success
• If the drummer is not aware of his surroundings, he may miss a cut off or a great musical moment. This can be disastrous.
• Don't bury your head or stare off into space, watch the Worship Leader for instruction and cues 
• Avoid Playing too much
• Complex rhythms are almost always a combination of many elements, not just one
• Complex rhythms require a team to make them work
• Be sensitive to the needs of your band
• Be open to providing a little hi hat click for your vocalists or instrumentalists when needed
• Know the tempos of all of the songs and be ready to count them off
• Know all the transitions in your worship set, you are the bus
• The Worship Leader has the final say
• In some cases, the instrumentalists may have more musical experience than the person up front.  
• Musical perfection is secondary to giving God the Glory he deserves. Much of this comes from attitude and servitude.
• While input is healthy, and constructive criticism is part of the band dynamic, keep egos in check and realize the weighty responsibility a Worship Leader carries in ushering a congregation into the throne-room of Grace.
• Don't overplay - LESS IS MORE