Drumming in a big band part 2

Another night of big band playing. Wow what blast, I'm grateful to have been invited. What did I learn? Some thoughts on my performance that come to mind are:

1. "Time, time, time" Terry Clarke
2. Set-ups at quicker tempi need work
3. Endurance
4. Dynamics
5. Sight reading
6. Fast cymbal needed; 17-inch crash is an awesome ride cymbal but is too long for a crash in this context. Flat ride and 20” paiste are great though.
7. Always bring my own drum set.
8. Horns really do slow down during breaks, therefore keeping the backbeat on the high hat going really helps.
9. I now understand why that drummer played so much backbeat: Keep the horns from slowing down.
10. This is no substitute for experience.
11. I must really listen in order not too rush.
12. It was fun, but really challenging last night.

Going forward:

1. Better physical fitness
2. Better diet
3. More sleep: even out my schedule to conserve energy
4. More transcriptions
5. “It’s all about the basics” Wynton Marsalis
   1. Time
   2. Rudiments
   3. Repertoire and more repertoire
   4. Gear

 
Now I'm off to see Terry Clarke for some coaching. 

Happy Swinging,

David