I always arrive early for whatever job I have to do. And a drummer should be earlier than everyone else. If there are any tech issues that come up it gives me time to iron them out before the rest of the team arrives. It makes soundchecks and performances much more relaxed.
Professional Drummer & Percussionist
I like to get in early for all the reasons you mention, plus I like/need to warm up a bit before sound check, rehearsal, etc. The older I get, the more warmup I need, especially for Sunday morning services.
Not so fast, my old friend. Maybe you could rephrase that to “And a drummer should be earlier than the other players”!?!
I can think of an awful lot of recording sessions and worship services when I was there long before even you arrived, working to have microphones set up and checked, console laid out, with everything ready to receive you. In fact, in all the times we worked together I can only think of a couple of times when you were set up before I was. That is true as well for every church I’ve worked in full time. The only person who consistently arrived before me was either the head usher or the maintenance guy who was there to unlock the doors.
Hi Curt, LOL.. yep, you’re right. So the tech crew is usually first…. – drummer comes in next. Hope all is well in your world. Thanks for always makin’ it sound great. Blessings, Carl
Well stated on the time thing. I am a drummer who has played for CCM Artists Aaron Schust, Laura Story, Ginny Owens, and many other CCM and Country Artists and I am the 1st musician to arrive 95% of the time. It’s just the professional thing to do. Being late is a problem a drummer cannot have!!! There are too many good players waiting in line. It’s gotta’ be one of the worst things to have a handful of other musicians staring you down while you set-up your kit and/ or try to get a sound.
You have always set the pace for being on time and professional, even when I’ve known you were super tired after a week of hard overseas events, etc…. Well done my brother.
Thanks paulie b – You are a good warrior too… It’s good to be swingin’ swords with ya… Here’s to “Livin On The Verge”. 🙂