Big Band Drumming Sight-reading Workout

My mentor drummer Terry Clarke says it all about time and keeping it simple. Amen to that. This past week I filled in for an ailing drummer in a local big band. Two plus hours of full speed sight reading. Swing, second line, funk, ballads, and blues. It was a reminder of the importance of the basics and fundamentals of drumming and playing music in general. 

Fundamentals

1. Time and keeping the beat clear. A big band has as many ideas of "time" as there are musicians. The drummer must prevail.
   
2. Sight reading skills.
3. Knowledge of repertoire.
   
4. Not letting them see you sweat.
   
5. Confidence that comes from deep and sustained preparation. 
   
6. Being physically prepared. It's a marathon of sustained exertion. 

What I learned. 

1. Continue to prioritize physical fitness, stretching and good sleep.
2. Revisit my goals in practice to avoid wasted effort. Practice time is very precious because it's so short. No time for screwing around. 
   
3. Big band drumming is a gas. 
   
4. I can do this next year on a regular basis. 
   

best, 

David