Drumming for a Musical

drum.lad · #1 04-10-2011, 06:08 PM

Hey guys i just got asked to do a musical....dress rehearsal tomorrow and then a few nights.It covers lots of music from many shows...stuff i have never heard of.

Anyone have any tips on playing this kind of music im completely new to it and kind of nervous about it.

Jason

brittc89 · #2 04-10-2011, 07:05 PM

Just go in there and play it the best you can. If youve got the book, learn, you wanna just be referencing it by the time the show is running.

Be hyper aware of the conductor. When Ive played musicals before, the hardest part, BY FAR, are the cues; knowing when to come in, making a sound effect, knowing when to vamp and when to go on, thats the toughest part for me.

SO, knowing the book is gonna help you TREMENDOUSLY because you can be that much more focused on the conductor and on your cues.

Also, remember, you are the definition of a backing band, after the overture, you get knocked down a peg (I mean youre playing in a PIT, people dont even see you). Its no time to show off chops or anything like that. Just keep it simple and to the book/music.

You also might wanna check out some of the songs youre playing on youtube or iTunes or something. What musical is it?

drum.lad · #3 04-10-2011, 07:19 PM

Thanks for the detailed reply :) I got the song list today so im charting everything out...Music from Rent,Chicago,A Chorus line,Hair,Sweeney Todd and Carbaret. Im just nervous,doing something new is pretty scary.

brittc89 · #4 04-10-2011, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drum.lad

Thanks for the detailed reply :) I got the song list today so im charting everything out...Music from Rent,Chicago,A Chorus line,Hair,Sweeney Todd and Carbaret. Im just nervous,doing something new is pretty scary.

Youll get down there though, things will fall into place, stuff will work out, just kinda how this stuff goes. Gotta get the first one outta the way.

drum.lad · #5 04-10-2011, 08:25 PM

Very true....im excited to try something different who knows where it may lead..Anything kit specific advice you could give me like tuning and sticks or whatever lol

caddywumpus · #6 04-10-2011, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drum.lad

Thanks for the detailed reply :) I got the song list today so im charting everything out...Music from Rent,Chicago,A Chorus line,Hair,Sweeney Todd and Carbaret. Im just nervous,doing something new is pretty scary.

WHAT?!?!? You're playing a musical and they didn't give you a book?!?!? Weird...

As for tuning, tune your drums so you can play dynamically. If you normally tune JAW for rock, you'll have to tune those heads up so they will speak at a pp dynamic.

Be as familiar with the songs as possible before the first rehearsal. Have. them. DOWN.

drum.lad · #7 04-10-2011, 09:04 PM

Yes i was expecting some sheet music but nothing just a song list....I have been listening to the songs for the last few hours. Lots of tempo changes and stops and starts.Ya going to tune my kit soon,re-skin them and make them pretty for tomorrow.

brittc89 · #8 04-10-2011, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drum.lad

Yes i was expecting some sheet music but nothing just a song list....I have been listening to the songs for the last few hours. Lots of tempo changes and stops and starts.Ya going to tune my kit soon,re-skin them and make them pretty for tomorrow.

Thats strange. Are you gonna have a book for the gig?

ineedaclutch · #9 04-10-2011, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drum.lad

Thanks for the detailed reply :) I got the song list today so im charting everything out...Music from Rent,Chicago,A Chorus line,Hair,Sweeney Todd and Carbaret. Im just nervous,doing something new is pretty scary.

Sounds like a really fun show! I hope you are being paid well, because of the no chart thing. I don't understand why the MD did not furnish charts to the ensemble.

drum.lad · #10 04-10-2011, 09:48 PM

I really dont know what is going on...doing a favour for a friend.I will find out tomorrow night when i show up to set up.I have all my charts set up but i assume things will change.It does sound like a really fun show im liking the music.

simmsdn · #11 04-12-2011, 01:30 PM

The best part of playing in the pit for a musical is when the girls on stage are wearing skirts. :)

Zickosdrummer · #12 04-12-2011, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simmsdn

The best part of playing in the pit for a musical is when the girls on stage are wearing skirts. :)

Yeah, and your are down in the pit and can't see anything :-(

inneedofgrace · #13 04-12-2011, 03:19 PM

Last week I watched our friend's daughter star in a musical at our high school. We sat right up front, and the band consisted of a keyboardist and a drummer. I think the drummer was one of the music teachers. He worked off a book, playing both a traditional kit and several percussion instruments.

I always thought it would be cool to play drums/percussion for a musical. But after watching this guy play, I came to the conclusion I don't have the makeup to be able to perform this type of music. I like to play from my memory and my cryptic notes, as well as moving to the feel of the music. If I had to read a chart the whole time, I don't think I'd be very good at it.

Nonetheless, good luck with your gig - sounds exciting!

#14 04-12-2011, 03:44 PM

We played a production of Bugsy Malone years ago when I was in school.

I didn't play to a book, I learnt the music from the soundtrack.