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No Free Rides!

By Philip Hendrickson

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might.” Eccl. 9:10 ESV

When a guitarist, keyboard player, or singer learns a song, they know that they are probably going to be out front for everyone to see. That’s why we sometimes call them “frontline” players, whereas bassists and drummers might be called “backline”. Frontline players can practice their parts alone, because those parts convey the melody or integral harmony of the song. Backline players almost always learn our parts by playing along with the song—typically on a recording. That can lead us into a mindset that we are simply “riding along” as the music happens. Our main focus becomes just to play our part correctly and not screw up.

When we play live we must accept responsibility for the music we are making. We aren’t simply playing along while the music happens; we are making the music happen. We need to set our focus on creating great music in teamwork with the rest of the musicians. Each player or singer in a worship band is responsible for bringing to the music everything that their part can contribute.

A large group may have a music director or worship leader who gives specific instructions regarding song arrangements and particular parts played by individual musicians. But often, especially in smaller churches, musicians are expected to bring their own creativity and expression to the music. The leader may not be comfortable giving guidance on individual parts, in particular for instruments on which they have not received training. Many worship leaders have never played drums and don’t know what to ask for from the drummer or how to ask it. Thus, the drummer needs to take ownership of his or her part and make it all it can be.

Let’s repeat something we’ve said many times: this doesn’t just mean playing loudly! Drums can offer a wide range of dynamics and express many emotions besides just high energy. If you don’t know how to express a variety of emotions through the drums, it is time to do some serious listening. So many free music resources are available now. Talk to your music director or other band members to find YouTube channels, podcasts, or other music sources that give examples of the styles of music your group is doing.

Maybe your band can hold listening nights, to gather around snacks or coffee and listen critically to musical examples played well. Analyze what the various performers are doing with their parts to contribute to the whole musical experience. The goal is not to become an exact copy of a particular recording. Rather, observe and discuss techniques, sounds, and approaches to the music that you can explore in your own style. Look for ideas to borrow from highly skilled players (which is really how learning occurs in any setting). And do this without ego; any band member should be allowed to point out ideas or examples to any other band member, while accepting that it might not be possible to copy that example immediately. You may hear techniques that take years to master. Let those be aspirational goals to work toward over time—not expectations for next weekend!

The main point here is that drummers, bassists, or any backline players can easily fall into a passive role of just playing along with the music. Don’t let that happen. Every member of a worship band is leading the congregation’s song. Accept that leadership responsibility and own your role in making the music uplifting and praiseworthy. Playing in a worship band is a blessing and a gift; it should not be taken for granted. This is not putting yourself on a pedestal; it is servant leadership. To God be the glory!

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