MD ’ S VISUAL SIGNAL : I lift the headstock of my acoustic guitar upwards . MEANING : Here comes that dramatic dynamic drop that we rehearsed - probably from a chorus into the bridge . DRUMMER : Plays the kit in a way that clearly shows that the change is coming . This can be a drum fill - of a type that I like to call an “ exhale ” fill - that shows a significant downward dynamic step is coming . THE BAND : Are reminded of what we rehearsed and prepares for the dramatic , dynamic change that is about to occur .
MD ’ S VISUAL SIGNAL : Similar to the “ dynamic drop ” signal , I raise my guitar headstock , but even higher - maybe even above my head . MEANING : There ’ s a “ dynamic drop ” coming that is so dynamic , we are actually going to end the song . DRUMMER : Totally takes charge to bring the song home . We ’ ve rehearsed the specifics of our ending , but the drummer drums in a way that shows the whole band how intense ( or otherwise ) the ending is , if there ’ s any slowdown , exactly where that all-important final hit should take place , and if there ’ s going to be any “ trash canning ” ( exuberant , free music-ing ) after that final hit . ( NOTE : Please , no more than one “ trash can ” ending per church service , and only if absolutely necessary ). THE BAND : Give their attention to the drummer for all the necessary guidance of how to land our song safely and with confidence . developed these signals over many years of MD leadership . I hope you can use them or come up with your own way of doing something similar .
Now , we can present songs with a rock-solid , set structure , rendering some of this “ in the moment ” variation unnecessary . But for me ( as I MD and lead the congregation to sing as an expression of worship to God ) it ’ s a wonderful asset to have the ability to make changes and direct the band as we go . “ Stirring the pot ” so-to-speak can really help get us to where I believe we need to go .
For me , this works well but , the success or failure will depend on several key factors : 1 . A great , musical relationship with a competent , musical drummer .
2 . Unobstructed line of sight between me and the drummer . ( I like having the drum kit over my right shoulder . Having the drummer directly behind me is less than ideal ).
3 . The drummer must keep at least one eye on me at all times .
And , of course , all my signals can and should be seen by the rest of the band too . Band members can read my leadership direct from the source - the lieutenant - but it ’ s the drummer - the sergeant -who actually executes the specifics of where we ’ re going together .
If you ’ re an MD or a drummer , do you have signals like these ? If not , you should . I have
Grant Norsworthy founder of MoreThanMusicMentor . com providing training for worshipping musicians .
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