PERCUSSION
TOOLS FOR ORGANIZATION & SUCCESS | Mark Shelton
Some people seem to be born with organizational skills. Me? Not so much. Early in my career, some lessons on the importance of organization were learned the hard way. Eventually, I realized success was linked to organization. Over the decades, I’ ve come to rely on certain organizational aides to help me avoid chaos. In this article, I’ m sharing several tools that might assist in your musical pursuits.
BE THERE— RIGHT DAY / RIGHT TIME In my home office, a large erasable wall calendar is a prominent feature. My paper-based planner sits nearby, plus there’ s the calendar app on my smartphone. Be diligent about entering dates and times on your calendar( s).
YOUR DIGITAL HOME FOR WORSHIP PREP Back in the olden days, the worship set list often remained a mystery until Sunday morning, and you might sight-read a chart for a song you’ ve never heard. We’ ve come a long way in the last twenty years. Worship management software, such as Planning Center, provides resources to assist musicians in their preparations. I am grateful to have vital information such as rehearsal times, service order, arrangements, and recordings under one digital roof! Are you taking advantage of this valuable tool?
I LOADED THE TIMBALES BUT FORGOT THE STAND Some musical events require a lot of gear— perhaps a dozen or more various percussion instruments. It’ s a good idea to create a list of every instrument( and stand) needed and make sure it’ s ALL packed and loaded before you drive away.
THE CASE FOR A BIGGER CASE A stick bag is usually adequate for carrying the implements necessary for a drum set. Playing percussion often demands more stuff due to the number of instruments required. During the early years of my career, an attaché case was sufficient, but eventually I switched to something larger. For decades, I’ ve been showing up with a percussion case measuring 18” x 11.5” x 7.75.” There’ s ample space for various drumsticks, mallets, brushes, sheet music, a small practice pad, in-ear monitors and more. A clear slider bag is also included for storing small items such as triangle beaters, felt washers, pencils, paper clips, rubber bands, and tuning tools.
Take a look at my trusty case and examine the contents of the clear slider bag in this short video:
REASSEMBLE WITH CONFIDENCE A percussion setup must be designed so the transitions between instruments can be handled efficiently. The process can involve a number of adjustments before the final structure is established. If the setup was developed off site from the event, you’ re going to have to reassemble it at the venue. Are you going to trust your memory?
Once your layout is complete, snap a cell phone photo so you can easily recreate the setup in the performance space.
CLEAN THE TABLE The rehearsal begins with the trap table loaded with instruments I plan to play, but as the session progresses, changes are made. The small cylindrical shaker does not have enough punch, and the tambourine with brass jingles does not blend well. At the end of the rehearsal, it’ s time to remove instruments no longer needed for the worship service. The trap table is less crowded, and I’ m less likely to pick up the wrong instrument.
DON’ T MISS A PAGE TURN Have you ever been given sheet music that was unbound? Trying to navigate a sevenpage chart while moving between congas, tambourine, and claves can be challenging enough without trying to flip through a bunch of loose paper to find a repeat sign. Several strips of tape will eliminate an element of stress. Toss a roll of transparent tape in your case and tame the pile of paper before the rehearsal starts.
PUT THAT IN WRITING The leader can suddenly change the set list, or the music director might decide to insert some rhythm hits into the second chorus. Suddenly, I’ m reaching for writing tools. A pencil is my pal at rehearsals, practice sessions, and recording dates. A few sheets of blank paper along with some staff paper also live in my percussion case— and an old-school pencil sharpener.
WHAT SONGS AM I PLAYING NOW? Currently, I play two services on Sunday mornings— often with slightly different set lists. To avoid confusion, I write the set order for each service on separate sticky notes and place the lists on my music stand.
The musical path contains bumps and mistakes; learn from them. Find tools and strategies to prevent similar issues as you progress on your musical journey.
Get wisdom, find out what makes sense. Proverbs 4:5a FBV
© 2026 Mark Shelton Productions
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 the North Carolina Symphony, Tin Roof Tango, Daystar Television, Gateway Worship, Stonebriar Church, Wichita Falls Orchestra, Boha Tribe, Victory Channel, Strata Big Band, TALEA, and Dallas Wind Symphony. www. marksheltonmusic. com www. percussionforworship. blogspot. com
114 September 2026 Subscribe for Free...