DRUMS
DRUMMERS ! HOW BIG ARE YOUR “ EARS ?” | Carl Albrecht
What ?! Yep … How big are your “ ears ?” You ’ re “ musical ears .” … And how do you learn to listen better to the way your playing fits in with the rest of the group ? This idea also applies to how well you adjust your dynamics to the room you ’ re playing in . We ’ ve looked at these challenges before as it pertains to drumming in worship . But let ’ s go a bit deeper into the real world of most church drummers . Most of you are not playing in mega-churches , big arenas , or concert halls . In fact , the “ median ” church ( or average size ) is running somewhere between 70 to 150 people . Maybe .
So how does the drummer really adapt to this . Let ’ s do some ear training .
1 . GO IT ALONE If at all possible go into the church you play for when no one else is around . Play the drums while recording them with a laptop , your phone , or another device sitting in the middle of the front row . Not you , the device . Ha ! Also , I recommend using a db meter sitting next to the recorder within view of where you are playing the kit . I know this feels a bit clinical , but this is about becoming aware of what your playing sounds like and how loud you play without being distracted by the band , the sound system , or the congregation .
Play for a few minutes and then go listen to the recording . Even in this “ raw form ” hearing your drums in the room is a VERY eye-opening experience . Of course you should be watching your “ db-levels ” as you are playing . Be aware that levels of 85 to 90 db are pretty high for a small room . I know ! REALLY ! Don ’ t roll your eyes . But that ’ s the truth . THAT is your target . Because when you add the rest of the band , the PA , and a congregation singing along , the levels will easily reach higher levels . Standard OSHA safety guidelines say that 85 db over 8 hours is a risk level for hearing damage . Concert levels should really be around 85 to 90db , with peaks hitting at higher levels up to 100 db only at “ spiked ” moments . So … this is a drummer ’ s challenge , especially in small venues .
2 . SAME DB TEST AT REHEARSAL This gets trickier . Now do the same recording and db testing while rehearsing with the team . ( Recorder and db meter still in the middle of the front row .) More than likely you will be amazed how much louder the levels are when the team is playing along with the PA up and running . * If possible ask your engineer to check db levels at the soundboard also and compare the recordings . Also ask them to record the rehearsal on their phone or other device even it they are recording directly into the system .* I ’ m not sure how many small churches do this , but it would be a great exercise to put in place permanently . It will help avoid the typical issues we all deal with as worship teams in every church , but especially small congregations . I know this feels a bit like going to extremes to address the problem , but the sooner you embrace the challenge the quicker you and your band will get used to adapting to the room you play in .
Definitely take the time to review the recordings to hear how the drums blend into the mix and adjust your playing accordingly . We ’ ve talked about dynamic control in other articles , but this is the first time I ’ ve recommended how to specifically test or check yourself in the acoustic environment you are playing in . You will also hear how all of the team is playing together . It would be great for everyone to sit and listen to the raw recordings to hear how other players might need to adjust their dynamics and how the engineer might need to mix a bit differently according to how the blend sounds .
3 . THE SAME TEST “ IN SERVICE ” Yes , finally you want to try the same db testing during an actual service . Try to find a discreet location for your devices in the front row if at all possible . If there is a reserved seating area for the team use that or even under a chair if you can be sure no one will mess with your
equipment . This is the “ acid test ” for every band . Things change drastically when people are in the room and the adrenaline kicks in . But you HAVE to control the energy just the same . The challenge will be to stay engaged in the worship while at the same time being aware of the technical things that are helping you control the dynamics of the room .
Make this exercise a team thing if you can . Getting everyone on board with you will make it a whole lot easier . Be the encourager and work on your own performance first and watch the team follow your lead . * WELL … maybe . Have fun !! Serve well . Peace , Carl .
Carl Albrecht Professional drummer for 30 + years , playing with Paul Baloche , Don Moen , Ron Kenoly , Abe Laboriel , LeAnn Rimes and others . He ’ s also a clinician , author & pastor . Contact Carl for coaching , online lessons , producing , or sessions . I ’ m still growing too .. www . CarlAlbrecht . com LMAlbrecht @ aol . com