V876 DVD
Tools for Drumming in Church
By Phil Gaudion
(Review by Dan Spragg. Dan is a Drumsense drum tutor, working privately and in schools. He also drums for Satellite also known as the “Easter Camp Band” in Christchurch.)
Finally, here is some support for drummers in the church environment from an industry professional. So many times the drummer is the first to get the blame if it’s “too loud” or “I couldn’t hear the singers this morning”, when 90% of the time half the congregation arrived at church with their mind made up that the drums were going to be too loud – even before they walked in the door.
This DVD covers topics of basic technique, keeping time, drum tuning, song construction, following the worship leader, working with the PA team and more, which will be useful for the beginning drum player to increase their general knowledge. Accomplished drummers should know these basics already and will be putting them into practice whenever they play.
Phil’s personal opinion enters into a few of these topics and to be honest I disagreed with a couple of points such as volume control when related to the Front of House mix, drum tuning (not the technique, but the sound he goes for) and the Perspex screens and his praise of them.
Overall, “Tools for Drumming in Church” is a good watch for the beginner player or the worship leader who has beginner players in their team. Anyone with more experience shouldn’t buy the DVD as they should have this knowledge already and be putting it into practice.
For beginners, I give it 8 out of 10, but for an accomplished player, only 3.
