DRUMS
WORSHIP DRUMMER WARM-UPS | Carl Albrecht
People often ask me how I prepare for an event . They want to know if there is a difference in the way a drummer should get ready for sessions , concerts , or worship services ? The simple answer I give is that I approach every job the same , but there are slight variations in the details . The thing that remains the same for me is that I approach every situation as a technical and a spiritual task . There are mechanical details involved in anything you do and then there ’ s the spiritual aspect of what the Lord has called you to do in each situation . So simply speaking , be prepared mentally , physically , and spiritually .
THE BIGGEST JOB IS MUSIC PREPARATION . For sessions they usually don ’ t send out music ahead of time . The producer or artist will just show the band the tunes when we come to the session . But I will always ask if there are demos of the songs or if there are certain reference recordings I should listen to . That way I can get an idea of the style and vibe of the music we ’ ll be working on . I ’ ll also ask what drum sounds they want for the project and make sure I bring the right equipment to the job . That could mean I have to buy something , but usually I have enough drum gear to cover the call . Hearing the demos early helps me to think more deeply about the music and allows for some creative thinking before the session .
For live events , if I ’ m working with artists I ’ ve already played for , there ’ s not much music preparation involved … unless they ask for new songs to be added to the list . Even if you work with someone a lot it ’ s a good idea to touch base and see if there ’ s anything new that they are thinking about . It does happen . I try to be very “ pro-active ” in my work . I ’ ll make the call and chat with the leader to see if they want to try out new songs they ’ re writing or even if they are going to cover another artist ’ s material . When I ’ m working with new artists I ’ ll ask for a current song list they ’ re using , what projects I need to listen to , and whatever charts or lead sheets they have available . So , number one … get the music ready !
NUMBER TWO IS GEAR PREPARATION . Do I have all the drums and percussion instruments I need to play everything I ’ m hearing in the music . What about electronics , samples , loops , etc . I try to have all the bases covered . Even if I have all the “ stuff ”… it ’ s very important to know that it ’ s in good working order . There ’ s nothing more frustrating than going into a job and something doesn ’ t work right . I ’ m always checking mechanical parts like kick pedals , hi-hats , and hardware for wear & tear . Also inspect drumheads and your stick bag to make sure you have doubles of everything you might need for a job . Even at church events or other jobs you might think as “ normal ,” always have “ double stuff .” There ’ s always a spare kick pedal and snare drum handy , as well as a spare parts kit . ( Drum parts , a hi-hat clutch , springs , screws , snare straps etc .) As much as possible I plan and prepare for problems that may occur . If and when they do , I ’ m ready ! So , that ’ s number two . Check , and double-check all your gear . And have duplicates if you can .
PHYSICAL WARM-UP TIME . When it comes time for being “ on the job ” the first two rules should have already been observed . Once you ’ re there , you and your gear have to be ready . I can then take care of the final preparations before playing . That includes some physical warm-up time and some soul searching . I still like to do ten to twenty minutes of rudimental exercises before I play . Combinations of singles , doubles , paradiddles , and flams help me to loosen up very nicely . I try to incorporate my feet as well . The main thing is to feel warmed up before you have to play the job . Even do a few physical stretches from any work out routine . That ’ s number three . Review the technical stuff when you ’ re on the job .
FINALLY , DO A SPIRITUAL WARM UP . Prayer , reading the Word , being still before the Lord etc . are all great ways to prepare to minister to the Lord and to the people . Do not take the stage without out having your heart focused on the Lord and the ministry aspect
of your music . Even if your time is really short do what you can . I feel it ’ s important to have some time alone for this , but I also like to have time with the band and ministry team as well . So , That ’ s number four . A spiritual warm-up is a must before you play .
I pray this helps you in your journey of being a fully prepared worship drummer . Contact me if you ’ d like . I would be happy to know if these ideas help you . Yes , I really do like to know .
Blessings , 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