Thank you, fellas. David
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"Sitting in" is the time-honored tradition of asking to join in and play a song or two with strangers. It is a high stakes gamble. If you are an accomplished drummer, you risk embarrassing the current drummer and vice versa, you under play and embarrass yourself. But there are ways to do it all gracefully and get what you want: musicians to play with.
It requires some courage and a little hubris. But it in the end, it is how musicians announce themselves into a new scene. It is how musicians find others to play with. So, get ready. 1. If you can, go hang out for a few weeks before asking to sit in. Be friendly, at your second appearance the musicians will acknowledge you with a friendly smile. At the third appearance you will be one of the family. 2. Make a note of the repertoire performed by the band. If you know the tunes, great. In a public jam session, the tunes will be standards. I’ve a list here of jazz standards. For Rock and Blues standards try these lists. Blues. Rock. Then go home a learn a few from memory before you ask to sit in. The tune need not be a complicated one, but it you should have it solidly memorized and in your hands. 3. At home spend half your practice time learning the standard tunes of the genre you want to play. Play with the recordings over and over and over. 4. As a drummer learn the grooves of the genre. 5. Practice with a metronome to develop your ear for time. 6. Be humble! Nobody wants to play with a jerk. 7. When you decide to get up their, be fully sober. Save the drinks for later! 8. As a drummer you will have to play a drum solo. Be prepared. My advice keep is simple and uncomplicated, save the fireworks for later. 9. Be fully vaccinated, don't endanger the rest of the band. I know one band personally that spread covid amongst themselves. 10. When preparation meets opportunity music will be made and magic happens. extra tip: Bring your stick bag and ear plugs! When I moved to Toronto in my fifties, I put all of these into action. I now play regularly in lots of different scenes: Rock, Jazz, Improv, and more. If I can help you get ready, call me. David 2 Pm to 3:30PM I will be drumming in a jazz quartet. Music will made, tarts and tea will drunk. Come on down and join us. Remember your masks and covid passports.
Tartistrywww.tartistry.ca 1252 the Queensway, Etobicoke ON M8Z1S2 Tomorrow is rock band rehearsal day. I'm on drum kit. Here is the process I follow to prepare, which you may find helpful.
If I can help you get ready for your rock band practice, call me. David ![]() A drummer is an accompanist who creates beats, textures, parts, tone, and excitement. In short, they are a team leader, team player and exhibitionistic showman/woman all wrapped up in one. Drummers make it feel, sound, and look good. Drummers make the other musicians glad they came to the session. In short, we bring joy and competence to the stage/studio/jam. How do you go about this?
A caveat, the following ideas assume the student comes from a place of privilege with access to time, money, and resources in a supportive family situation. For those lacking these privileges, some societies offer community recourses or school programs. So don't give up. Seek out opportunities in community centres, possibly churches and city/town recreational centres. People want to help. David The school bands are returning soon. One of my students, in anticipation of resumption is getting ready. We are working on his rudiments, coordination, and repertoire from his school text. He'll be ready.
Does your child need the same support and encouragement? Call me. David Boom wacka boom! After this damn pandemic is done, I'm looking forward to playing again in concert band. In anticipation, I'm getting ready.
David |
AuthorDavid Story, drummer, pianist, qualified online music teacher Archives
April 2022
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