Drums can be the most important instrument in the band. If a drummer knows a song well, he can direct every part of the song from the length of the song, to each dynamic change within the song. The drums are usually end up being one of the loudest instruments and all this combined makes the drummer a very powerful person.
The speed and rhythm of a song is usually controlled by the drummer. If a song is played too fast, the singers and musicians won’t be able to fit all the notes in place properly. If a song is too slow, the joyful feeling of the moment might turn into monotony. It is very important for a drummer to practice with a metronome and to practice along with a recording of each song that he will play live.
Dynamic changes in volume and intensity add interest to a song. If a song is played with the same dynamic the entire way through, a worshiper may get tired of pouring themselves into it half way through. They need a rest. There have to be breaks for everybody to catch their breath and the drummer can direct when those breaks happen. When you are planning on how you will play each song, intentionally place moments of rest, either in a bridge or during an instrumental or even the ending.
Consistency is very important when playing with a band. Choosing a rhythm and sticking with it throughout the entire song makes the rest of the band more comfortable and able to take risks. If they have to constantly worry about keeping up with your super creative fills and rhythmical changes, they won’t ever have a chance to find a groove and make happy sounds.
Small changes you make have a huge impact on the songs dynamic. If you are playing the bass drum, closed high hat and side sticking the snare on a verse, just opening up the high hat a bit and smacking the snare in the middle will be enough change to bring it into the chorus.
Give every sound you make a purpose. Tell your high hat to keep everyone on time. Tell your floor tom to explode boldness into every brain. Tell your cymbals to send people on a joy ride of joy. Tell your bass drum to unite the beats of every heart in the room. You are the boss.
