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Holding Up the Prophet's Hands

By Philip Hendrickson

Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed…but Moses’ hands grew weary, so…Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side and the other on the other side.” Exodus 17:11-12 ESV

What is the drummer’s role in a worship band? Keeping a steady beat? Getting water for the bass player? Loaning the guitarist a pencil (again)? I submit to you that the drummer is co-leader of any band, the one holding up the prophet’s (worship leader’s) hands. A worship drummer is a prime example of servant leadership; he or she is the company sergeant, reinforcing and communicating every decision or direction given by the band leader. The drummer is almost never in charge but is the person everyone else turns to for a clear understanding of where the music is going.

A typical worship band is led by a member of the group who gives direction while also playing and/or singing (usually the lead part). That worship leader is most concerned with the band’s connection to the congregation. The band has rehearsed the music, the congregation has not, so the leader is watching and listening to them while singing and playing, trying to give guidance vocally or by body language so all of God’s people can lift up their voices.

When the leader gives a signal to the band it has to be quick, so his or her focus can remain on the house. If a band member is looking down or misses the signal, who do they turn to? The drummer constantly shows where beat one is, where we are in the song form, and where the energy level should currently be. Is this the big finish or a quiet turnaround? Are we back at the top of the form or repeating the bridge? The drummer is the reference point for the rest of the band – the solid rock that everyone can count on. (No pun intended.)

Does this mean that the drummer wins every argument? Well, if disagreements turn into real arguments, then your band has bigger problems to deal with. But the worship leader is still the leader; they have the final say. However, even the congregation can follow cues from the drummer more easily than any other band member, so it’s best during a moment of confusion for the band to rally where the drummer is at. This concept should be discussed during rehearsals, to avoid musical arguments on stage that detract from worship.

So, can the drummer just “rock on” and expect everyone to follow? No. This is where servant leadership really comes into play. The drummer has to know the music completely, and then stay locked onto the worship leader and pick up every cue or signal. The trick for the drummer is to find the balance between playing along and adapting to what the leader and other musicians are doing, and taking charge of the situation when things seem to be getting loose or falling apart. Sometimes a leader will forget how many bars are in the turnaround, or what part of the chart we agreed to use as the segue between songs. In those moments, the drummer can play something simple and direct, and maybe even count out loud for the band to hear. Even if the drummer is “wrong” (maybe everyone but the bass player forgot the segue), following a decisive drum part is the most easy and successful solution to preventing musical chaos. Band members can all laugh about it after the service, but right now everyone needs to know what measure and beat we’re on. Make it obvious, drummer. (In a nice way!)

So then, the drummer just needs to play steady and loud, right? Again, no. Like every member of the band, the drummer should play with appropriate musical feeling and dynamics, so they contribute to the cohesive musical message of the song. The right nuances on drums, cymbals, and percussion can really highlight the mood of a song: joyful, peaceful, contemplative, exciting. But if the music is getting too loose, it’s time for the drummer to get simple and let everyone find home base again. We do not need to be “loud” in order to be “clear”. A basic two-and-four cross-stick pattern on the snare and quarter notes on the ride cymbal is one example of a beat that everyone can clearly pick up without needing to play at a high volume. Another is a simple floor tom pattern with a clear beat four on the snare. There are many ways to send a signal that the music has gotten messy and we all need to settle down. Playing loud is just going to add to the problem.

Remember, the drummer sets the emotional tone for the whole band. The guitarist or singer can wave their arms like crazy, but if the drummer is laid back and quiet no one is going to get stirred up. Confused maybe, but not stirred up. If a piece calls for high energy, the leader needs to clearly tell the drummer that expectation. And if it’s time for inward thoughts and prayers, maybe the drummer needs to lay out (not play) or just play light touches and gentle swells on the cymbals. With a little practice, the drums can express a very wide emotional range.

Inexperienced drummers may need coaching from the leader to accept this co-leadership role. Taking on responsibility always feels like taking away some of the fun. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Being the company sergeant offers different kinds of fun. And when everyone in the band locks in tight and the music hits a new emotional level, the feeling for the drummer is priceless. That is when God’s gift of music carries us as close to heaven as we can get on this earth.

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