PERCUSSION
A REGULAR CHECKUP | Mark Shelton
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We undergo many checkups and evaluations in our lives to discover areas where repair , maintenance , or improvement is required . Do you inspect your musical life to identify aspects that need to be addressed ? As the year draws to a close , I offer several areas meriting self-inspection by those involved in worship percussion .
RUDIMENT RUN-THRU How are your alternating flams ? Can you still knock out a smooth series of double paradiddles ? Are your six-stroke rolls clean ? A regular dose of rudiments will help preserve your percussion health . Keep your hands in shape with a weekly review of all forty of the Percussive Arts Society International Drum Rudiments . Download a free copy at
www . pas . org / resources / rudiments
CHECK YOUR SOFT CHOPS During your musical journey , somebody ’ s probably going to ask you to bring down your volume . It could be the conductor , worship leader , your bandmates , a neighbor , or the police . Do you practice playing at soft dynamic levels ? Monitor yourself and maintain your ability to play ALL your instruments at a low volume with a proper tone .
correct note lengths create tight and polished music . Are you listening carefully to the entire group and phrasing accordingly ?
SCRUTINIZE YOUR STRUCTURE Have you assessed the ergonomics of your set-up recently ? Positioning your percussion for efficient access is crucial for successfully negotiating tight instrument transitions in a timely fashion . Also , placement of your instruments at correct heights and angles contributes to proper playing technique and prevents injuries .
SEARCH FOR THE RIGHT SOUND Choosing a tone color to fit the musical moment is important for any musician , but percussionists are often faced with several options . Would the suspended cymbal roll played with nylontipped sticks on a thin plate convey the proper mood or should you use yarn-covered mallets on a perforated cymbal for a breathier sound ? Experiment with your arsenal of instruments and various implements so you can apply an appropriate timbre .
ROLL ON AND ON AND ON AND ON ... Are you able to sustain a double-stroke roll for a minute ? Can you keep a tambourine shake roll steady for 30 seconds ? Since a roll is the primary method of sustaining sound on most percussion instruments , periodically check up on your roll endurance . You want plenty in your tank when you need it .
musical power when inserted at just the right time . There are moments when playing nothing is the best musical decision . Ask yourself : Does what I am adding enhance the musical texture ?
DO NOT WING IT Are you investing time and effort to adequately prepare for a rehearsal or just casually listening to the songs while driving to church ? Although set lists and arrangements can change during rehearsal , always show up with a plan if you ’ ve been given access to materials for study and practice .
THE WORDS OF YOUR WARDROBE Like it or not , your clothes talk about you . What message are you sending to the congregation and your colleagues ? Carelessness toward your apparel and appearance can be a distraction to a worshipper . If your worship team has a dress code , abide by it . If there are no formally stated rules , ask a leader for suggestions on appropriate attire .
REGULAR READING Are you into the Word every day ? If you are involved with playing worship music , make sure to invest time in reading the Bible .
Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching , for reproof , for correction , and for instruction in righteousness , that the man of God may be complete , thoroughly equipped for every good work . 2 Timothy 3:16 WEB
THE FINE POINTS Musically mature string and wind players are keenly aware of the importance of small details and proper phrasing . Percussionists should play with the same attention to detail . Clean attacks and accurate releases along with
THE PROPER PORTIONS It is possible to complement the musical texture without pouring on a pile of percussion . A single , silvery sound on the triangle carries great
© 2022 Mark Shelton Productions / Percussion For Worship
Mark Shelton Mark is a freelance musician , content creator , and educational consultant based in Dallas / Fort Worth . Performance credits include North Carolina Symphony , Tin Roof Tango , Daystar Singers & Band , Gateway Worship , Wichita Falls Orchestra , Strata Big Band , TALEA , and Dallas Wind Symphony . www . marksheltonmusic . com percussionforworship . blogspot . com