PERCUSSION
HERE COMES THE BREAKDOWN! | Mark Shelton
The song is moving toward a repeat of the bridge. You’ re playing percussion and locked in with the drum set player. Suddenly, you hear the music director give a quick instruction through the talk-back mike:“ Drum breakdown comin’ up on the next bridge.” That breakdown was not in the planned arrangement, but it is NOW. In a flash, your awareness level heightens along with your pulse rate. It’ s decision time; think fast. What’ s your next move?
Drum breakdowns are a common occurrence in contemporary worship music. Will you be surprised and panic or will you handle it with ease? Let’ s break down the breakdown and examine a few possibilities for the percussionist.
WHAT IT IS The classic drum breakdown is a common arranging / orchestration technique achieved by deleting all definite-pitched accompaniment while allowing the vocals to continue with only drums and / or percussion rhythmic backing. This stark textural shift provides a moment for singers( both on-stage and in the congregation) to be heard without harmonic support. The drum breakdown creates a quasi – a cappella moment.
The drum breakdown comes in two flavors: planned and spontaneous.
Hope for the well-rehearsed but expect the extemporaneous.
WHAT IT IS NOT Is the breakdown a drum and percussion feature? No, nay, never! A drum breakdown is not the moment to throw down with a 5 against 4 para-what-ama-cue on timbales.
FIRST, DO NO HARM Understand the mission. The focus is on the singing. The drums and / or percussion instruments are in a supportive rhythmic role, so the singers stay in tempo until the rest of the band returns. As the percussionist working alongside a drum set player, the simplest and safest choice during the drum breakdown is to drop out and let the drummer take it. This is the preferred tactic if you are unsure of what to play during the breakdown. Rest in the fact that choosing not to play is a musical decision.
ADD SOME PERC If the leader requests you to play along with the drummer during the breakdown, or you feel you can make a meaningful contribution:
• Maintain the style / genre along with the drummer. Don’ t go off onto something unrelated.
• Go for simple and repetitious. Avoid clutter.
• Defining the downbeat can be a worthwhile contribution( cowbell. tambourine, block).
• Consider sticking with the same instrumentation you were playing just prior to the breakdown.
NO DRUM SET, NO PROBLEM As the percussionist in a setting without a drum set player, you will most likely need to play during the breakdown. The watchwords are SIMPLE, SOLID, and TEMPO. SIMPLE Don’ t get too fancy. Repetition is great. SOLID Play with confidence. Take charge of the moment and lead. TEMPO Listen to the click and stIck with it. If there is no click, keep your internal clock ticking and maintain the time.
ON-RAMP AND EXIT-RAMP Both the approach of the drum breakdown and the end of the breakdown are important musical moments. Those areas are prime spots to make use of one of the percussionist’ s superpowers: the suspended cymbal roll. A well-placed swell that peaks as the drum breakdown begins is totally on point. In the final measure of the breakdown, toss in another roll that crescendos into the next section of music.
In case you’ re wondering how to make a cymbal roll happen while playing something else, check out this short demo video. WARNING: POSSIBLE LATENCY AHEAD During the drum breakdown, the lead and
background vocals might sing off-mike to allow the congregational singing to be heard. It creates a beautiful moment but be careful of the lag time between the congregation and the drums / percussion. Don’ t let the tempo drag down; stay the course and maintain the time.
The drum breakdown is a popular and useful tool for worship leaders and arrangers. Don’ t be caught off-guard. Lay the groundwork for
success when the moment arises by being prepared. Create a variety of breakdown possibilities and keep those ideas stored securely in your memory bank. Be ready; the drum breakdown cometh.
© 2025 Mark Shelton Productions / Percussion For Worship
Mark Shelton Mark Shelton is a freelance musician, educational consultant, and content creator based in Dallas / Fort Worth. Mark’ s percussion work has been heard with North Carolina Symphony, Tin Roof Tango, Daystar Television, Gateway Worship, Stonebriar Church, Wichita Falls Orchestra, Victory Channel, Strata Big Band, TALEA, and Dallas Wind Symphony. www. marksheltonmusic. com www. percussionforworship. blogspot. com
82 April 2025 Subscribe for Free...