So they're forcing you to play with a BFSD and they make you watch a video to learn how to play the songs?!?? Is literally anything up to the judgement of the drummer (i.e. you)?
I don't know if "force" is the right word here. Like I said, I have a rehearsal this Sunday afternoon to try it out. I'll let them know how much of a reality it is or not. As far as the videos go, I try to learn it as closely as possible. I am one of about 3-4 drummers, and have a barrage of different guitar players, keys players, and literally about 20 different singers who hold microphones. All of these folks make up about 3-4 different "teams," so it's normal for me to show up and not really know who's going to be playing or singing. Because of this, we all try to play as consistently as possible. Yeah, I sort of do my own thing in terms of fills and I may alter patterns a little bit, but we have to have consistency or it will fall apart. It's just the nature of the beast. When it comes to the worship team, I'm just a follower. I don't give my opinions, and I don't give any push-back of anything at all. I just show up, play my notes and I leave. My family is on stage participating, and I enjoy doing this with them. If it were not for them, I'd have quit a year ago. I just like that time together.
First let’s find out how much it pays, and how good the other players are. And maybe if it can open doors to other gigs. Etc.
But I admit, your reaction was my first reaction too. The only person who gets to MAKE me use something like that is another drummer, who knows what they are doing.
Pay? You're cute.
I volunteer. As a matter of fact, I've never gotten paid to play worship music, and I've been doing it for almost 25 years now. Maybe I'm a sucker. Maybe I'm not. Who knows. I get paid to play bars, breweries, wineries, and festivals on the weekends, so it makes not getting paid at church not as bad.
The other players are decent.
I've never gotten another gig from playing at church. I guess there is a list of reasons:
1. The majority of "bands" around here play bluegrass.
2. Church musicians who exclusively play at church will always, always, always be considered sub-par. I know this has changed in other parts of the country, but by the time that thought gets here, I'm pretty sure I'll be in the ground.
3. The few bands that are around here already have their members together. I play in two band consistently and fill in with another from time to time. I stay plenty busy.
Thanks to everyone who has taken time to reply.
Usually people want me to come play at their church, but I like where I am. And those other churches aren't going to pay me either. Around here, getting paid to play at a church is a very, very foreign concept.