DRUMS
WORSHIP DRUMMER PREPARATIONS | Carl Albrecht
People often ask if there is a difference in the it’s a good idea to touch base and see if there’s if everyone is using their computer for the gig.
way a drummer should get ready for sessions, anything new to prepare. It does happen. I try Then borrowing one is out of the question. At
concerts, worship services and seminars? The to be very “pro-active” in my work. I’ll make the least have everything backed up on another
simple answer I give is that I approach every job call and chat with the artist to see if they want hard drive or the “cloud”.
with the same devotion. But there are variations to try out any new material. I’ll just download according to each situation. Discipline and songs from the Internet or ask them to send Also, on any job, I like to do ten to twenty
devotion even applies to home meetings and mp3’s if possible. minutes of rudimental exercises before I play.
small churches. Every job we do should bring
honor to the Lord.
Combinations of singles, doubles, paradiddles,
When I’m working with new artists I definitely and flams help me to loosen up very nicely. I
work hard on their material. I’ll ask for a current try to incorporate my feet as well. Just play a
If it’s a seminar event I make sure I know the song list they’re using, what projects I need to basic four on the floor with the kick foot, and
classes I’m teaching and that my notes are listen to, and whatever charts or lead sheets 2 & 4 with the hi-hat foot. Then play your
ready. Quite often my drum clinic will be in a they have available. I will practice until I “own hand exercises over that. If possible have a
different room than the concert hall or sanctuary. the music”. metronome plugged into your ear while you do
In that case I check with the staff to be sure
this and play to the click. Of course, you can do
there’s the right drum kit available. I also need a Next is gear preparation. Do I have all the variations of those ideas or come up with your
small PA system with a microphone, and inputs drums and percussion instruments I need to own routine. The main thing is to feel warmed
for my tracks I use on my computer. Seminars play everything I’m hearing in the music? I try to up before you have to play.
require double the effort. have all of those bases covered.
Finally, do a spiritual warm up. Prayer, reading
The biggest job in every situation is music When traveling, many times I’m playing rented the Word, being still before the Lord, etc., are
preparation. For sessions, they usually don’t equipment or brand-new gear right out of the all great ways to prepare to minister to the
send out music ahead of time. The producer box. Either way I always go to the venue ahead Lord and to the people. Do not take the stage
or artist will just show the band the tunes when of the rest of the team to be sure everything is without having your heart focused on the Lord
we come to the session. But I will always ask in good working order. There have been times and the ministry aspect of your music. Even if
if there are demos of the songs or if there are when critical pieces were missing and being your time is really short do what you can. Don’t
certain reference recordings I should listen to. early allowed me time to call for help and get think of this as an empty ritual. Really press
That way I can get an idea of the vibe of the whatever is needed. All of this applies to my into this routine and make it a “holy habit.” If
music we’ll be working on. I’ll also ask what electronic gear too. you sense that your group prayer times are
drum sounds they want for the project and
becoming mundane shake things up by asking
make sure I bring the right equipment to the In most current situations, everyone is taking others to pray or read. It would even be great
job. Usually I have enough drum gear to cover care of their electronic music needs with to have your pastor(s) or intercessory team to
the call. But I have purchased equipment laptops. This includes sampling, looping, come in and pray with you. Mix it up.
specifically needed for a gig. You just gotta sequencing, effects, and supplemental tracks. do it. The cool thing about it is that several players in Contact me if you have any questions about
the band can duplicate systems in each laptop. this article or any worship drumming issues you
For live events, if I’m working with artists I’ve In case of an emergency you can always ask would like to discuss.
already played for, there’s not much music another player to use their rig. Of course, if preparation involved... unless, and it’s a big you have the budget the best thing to do is unless, they ask for new songs to be added to double up on your gear. Yes, that means to the list. Even if you work with someone a lot having a second laptop. This may be needed
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October 2019
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
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