Strategies for Managing Eight Drummers in a Beginner Band

The Challenge of Engaging Multiple Drummers

Handling the percussion section is often one of the most daunting tasks for a band director, particularly in elementary school settings. Keeping all the drummers engaged and enthusiastic during rehearsals can be tough, especially if the director lacks a percussion background.

Transform Drummers into Percussionists

One crucial realization is that students are often drawn to percussion because they want to play the drum set. The drum set is a prominent feature in school bands, and students may feel sidelined if they aren't playing it. The key is to shift their focus from being just "drummers" to becoming well-rounded "percussionists."

Effective Distribution of Percussion Roles

When you have multiple drummers, it's essential to distribute roles effectively. For instance, one student can play the snare drum, another the bass drum, and a third the cymbals. This setup ensures that everyone is actively participating, even if a "drum kit" part is written out. Encourage students to stand while playing the snare drum, cymbals, and concert bass drum, creating a dynamic and engaging environment.

Auxiliary Percussion Table: A Must-Have

An auxiliary percussion table is indispensable. Instruments like tambourines, triangles, and shakers are often more critical to the band's sound than the snare drum or drum set. Ensure these instruments are easily accessible and that students stand while playing them. This setup not only improves sound quality but also keeps students engaged.

Warm-Up Strategies for Percussionists

Warming up can be a frustrating time for percussionists if they are left idle while wind players tune up. Here are some strategies to keep them engaged:

• Staggered Arrival: If warm-ups take a significant amount of time, allow percussionists to arrive later.
• Separate Rehearsals: Send them to a different room for sectional rehearsals with a specialist teacher or assistant.
• Integrated Warm-Ups: Use predefined warm-up routines that align with what the wind players are doing.

Supplementing the Band Book

Beginner band books often lack the variety and depth needed to keep percussionists engaged. Supplement these materials with additional resources focusing on basic rudiments and rolls. This approach ensures that students receive a well-rounded education in percussion.

Rotating Mallet Players

Deciding whether all percussionists should play mallets depends on the band's dynamics. Some band books, like the "Standard of Excellence," separate snare drum/bass drum and mallet percussion parts, while others, like "Essential Elements," have dedicated books for each. Encourage rotation among percussionists to give them a comprehensive experience, even if it means they need multiple books.

Conclusion

Improving the percussion section in a beginner band requires thoughtful planning and creativity. By implementing these strategies, band directors can create a more engaging and enjoyable experience for their percussionists.

Interesting Stats

• According to the National Association for Music Education, 76% of students who participate in school music programs report higher levels of engagement in school (NAfME).
• A study by the University of Kansas found that students in high-quality school music programs score 22% higher in English and 20% higher in Math standardized tests (University of Kansas).

For more insights on managing beginner bands, check out NAfME and the University of Kansas study.

By adopting these strategies, you can transform your percussion section into a cohesive and dynamic part of your beginner band.