Volume of drums in church

"Drivel" is the term you were looking for.

 

The contemptuous remark about those who've left over the issue seems to belie the originator's stated intent. Did you want to make deprecating remarks about those who don't agree with you about drums without being taken to task about it?

Ain't gonna happen. Not in a debate forum.

So, as I said before. Unless God has commanded you to use drums in your church, the consciences of those who've left are more important than your backbeat. If you asked God, I'm sure that's what He would say.

Just doing my part to keep this thread on track.

 

Thanks, Debby, well said.

Sorry, Aaron, you were not trying to "keep this thread on track." You were trying to interject your viewpoint into a thread that the OP asked for constructive input on, not debate.

Since it's apparent that things are in a "holding pattern" at Debby's church, I'm moving on...God's blessings on your church during this time. I'm sure the "drums in church" debate will surface elsewhere.

 

Dear Tiny Tim,

You wrote: " Now can we get back on track.. I am also curious how to tone down drums efficiently. "

Here are some ways to tone down the drums:

1. MOST IMPORTANT! Using a "lighter touch" in playing. This is a "lost art" today. I call it "playing the room" and it's as important as playing the drums. I played in many a living room in my early years and other small rooms and learned to adjust my playing so that I didn't overwhelm everyone.

Also important in a church setting is having someone walk around the church as the drums are being played to give feedback to the drummer as to volume. Often times, the drummer doesn't have an idea of "how he sounds out there". I face the same thing as a hand drummer,what sounds "loud" to me may not be "loud" to the listener and vice versa.

2.Using a smaller sized kit. Rock kits have larger diameter drums for volume. Jazz kits and what I'll term "3/4" size kits (Ludwig used to make them)would do well.

3. Using brushes,small diameter drumsticks,
Blasticks(made by Calato drumsticks),to soften the sound of the sticks hitting the heads.

4. Using a plexiglass shield to control the sound.

5. Also,using sponge-foam "eggcrate" packing material behind and to the sides of the drummer to absorb sound(if it can be done in your situation Tim,i.e.tacking it to the walls,etc.).

6. Using hand drums(i.e. conga drums,bongo drums,djembe,etc.)instead of a kit. I've been doing so in the churches that I attended for the past 30 years and nobody misses the drum kit!

(Tater Tot,have you considered hand drums as your music project expands?)

I also attend two drum circles (for creative fun)that have 30-50 persons. Talk about volume! Volume control is a big issue since smaller drums and hand percussion (maracas,bells,shakers,etc.)get lost in the sound of the djembes,conga drums,ashiko drums.

And the lady that facilitates the circle got together with some fellow facilitators and came up with these guidelines:

" Making Better Music Together

Guidelines for Respectfully Playing

in a Facilitated Drum Circle


1. Anyone can start a beat

2. Once the beat is established, listen to the rhythm before you begin to play

3. Listen to the other drummers while you play

4. Be aware of what others in the group are doing

5. Support the group's rhythm

6. Include rests in your rhythm so that you leave musical space for others

7. Play a lead role only occasionally

8. Play with low to moderate volume so that you can clearly hear the other drummers

9. If someone is playing too loudly, ask him or her to play more quietly

10. If the group's volume is too loud, signal the facilitator and then point to your ear

11. Take off your rings and dangling bracelets

12. Ask permission before playing another person's drum."

I know that the previous is a little "off topic",but I thought that having this perspective
would add to the conversation.

In Christ,

Dale

 

my father gets physically sore on every joint if the music is too noisy,but I have a another question:is it okay to do Native-American-Style drumming in the church?

 

"Drivel" is the term you were looking for. </font>[/QUOTE]Thanks aaron... you are right the term i was looking for was drivel... how stupid of me.

 

Tiny, what were ya thinkin' man!?

 

&lt;&lt;please don't hijack this thread with opinions that are dribble.&gt;&gt;

That was about as rude a comment that I have heard around here. Some fine example of a Christian YOU are.

 

hmmmm....What was that last sentence again?

 

I've rarely seen Tim display anything, but a Christian attitude. I would assume that he was frustrated by the continual effort to get the thread off track. I assume this based on the attitude he's displayed in the past. God bless Tim and I personally appreciate your Christian attitude.

 

Just a thought, our church moved to electronic drums due to the older folk feeling the level on the percussion was too loud. Just a thought, it seemed to work here in California. The volume was easier to control.

 

You are right Brice... I was frustrated.. But it was wrong of me.. without even meaning to, I was guilty of going against the wishes of the OP, for I engaged in debate.... sorry for my display of ignorance...

The church I am currently youth pastor of does not have drums... not because we are against them, but because there is just not enough room
on stage..
I like the electronic drums suggestion.

 

I'll toss this out there...

I've been playing (drums/percussion) for about 20 years now and God has done some cool things in my because of it. My primary avenue for playing is in the church. I've played in big churches and little churches and in between churches...volume is always an issue (well not now since the church where I serve is rather large)

for sound considerations I have advised numerous churches buy electric kits (Roland V-Drum Pro is the only one I recommend...of course they run about 5k for a good set) but point out that you have to have a very good sound system to allow the drums to sound good. If your system if paultry at best don't buy V-Drums...spend half of that money on a a used kit and the other half one a crossover and subs.

Couple of things to point out here, in smaller church building areas an electric kit with a poor system is worse than a live kit. You hear the tap tap tapperoo on the pads more than the thin, digitized cymbals.

Right now in my current situation we use a live kit without any sheilding simply and mic it heavily because we can. We have a digitial system so if we were to add electrics it would flow well.

Outside of the electric options, live kits are a great option with these suggestions:

1. Most volume problems are caused by really fast music. Technique development on the part of the drummer can bring volume down and the level of playing up.

2. Use a drum shield made out of the proper kind of materials (Home Depot style plexiglass reflects sound, it does not absorb it.) I usually tell churches (based on size) to get one that has padding at the base which extends up for a foot or two, make sure there are overhangs which cover up part of the overhead business. Then mic it properly.

3. Big honkin kits are never necessary...for the most part. I use a simple kit, three toms and kick and snare. Everything is muffled on the drums side (I use moongells for dampening...they're better.) I use a pair of 14" hats, a 16" and 17" crash and a 22" ride. Don't ever need anything more...and if you do you're just showing off.

4. Buy THIN crash cymbals that never exceed 17" in diameter. You'll get the development of the actual cymbal faster with less force. Most overbearing drummers have medium or thick crash cymbals and have to wail on them to get sound to develop. Also get a thick or medium ride which faces towards the ground or a wall and not out into the congregation/crowd.

5. Use Hotrods or sticks with a smaller diameter. I once consulted with a church that had a guy playing the drums with a 2B stick...that's huge. I stick with 7A or 8A sticks that are less than .5" in diameter and have a round tip. Please don't insult a drummer by saying brushes sound the same as sticks...they don't. Brushes are for certain kinds of playing and textures.

6. If your church is too small and budget constrained to implement the above, scrap the set. Trade it in and get maybe $1000 for it. Use that money to buy a djembe, come conga, and a couple of hand splashes. Just as effective but more inviting.

7. The big thing is figure out if your drummer is called to ministry is simply working another gig. People called to something will make sacrifices for the betterment of the ministry. Firing people isn't bad option, sometimes we're not good fits. Find someone who is.

hope that helps. Drums are fun to play and I get the most joy out of my life in playing for God. Whatever you do in your music ministry, whether it's traditional, contemporary, progressive, etc. just do it well. People are drawn to churches that do things well over churches that just muck through a set.

thanks for the thread!

 

As I said on p.1, 5 1/2 hijacks ago ...

Although most drummers hate them, electronic drums offer unlimited control of volume. We use the Roland V pro series, and have had great results.

You guys are right, although usually you have to convince the drummer to "take one for the team." But if it's between that or no drums, they'll take it.

We use our Roland e-drums on Sunday mornings. On Wednesdays, our students meet in the sanctuary, and we rotate 3 drummers. 2 of the 3 bring their own sets; the third uses the rolands.

 

Then God does want the drums more than He wants the old white people? Then why are you being disobedient by removing them—even temporarily—because of what men say?

And naturally, I'd like to know how you know that God wants you to use drums.

 

</font>[/QUOTE]The extreme of stereotyping by Debby. Do you do with races too, putting you into the category of a racist?
DHK

 

my father gets physically sore on every joint if the music is too noisy,but I have a another question:is it okay to do Native-American-Style drumming in the church?

 

Why wouldn't it be, if it was done to worship God? That is my opinion, and it is not one I wish, or feel the need, to debate with others, especially as the OP specifically asked to stick to the topic.

As far as the OP is concerned, I have no suggestions. Hope your church straightens everything out, though. I think it is great how you guys stepped up and decided to make a change. A church is supposed to reach out to the community.