Creating A Percussion Part

Here's my first installment in response to John Homan's recent email (Sept. 9 post):  

Creating A Percussion Part      

If you find yourself composing a part from scratch, here are some questions that will aid the process.

When I discern the style of the music, I begin to think about the instruments that are common to that style  (while not limiting my thinking to only those instruments). 

• Should I try to use only instruments that are common to that style?
• Is this a situation where I am free to think outside the box? Will I be allowed to try some sounds not usually associated with this particular style?

If there is also a drum set player: 

• Are the patterns coming from the drum set fairly standard patterns for that style or is the drummer trying something original? 
• What instruments on the drum set are being played?  
• What instruments,rhythms, and frequencies will complement the drum set part?
• Where is the drummer playing a fill?  Where is the musically logical place for the percussion part to drop out before the fill? Where do I reenter after the fill?
• Does the drum set ever drop out?  Would this be a good spot to add percussion or enter a bit later to give another element of interest?

If there is no drum set player (just lil’ ol’ me playing percussion):

• Should my patterns be more standard or does the situation call for originality?
• Do I need to play time throughout or are there sections where I can play “color” ...or drop out?
• Are there highs, lows, or mid frequencies that are not being covered by the other instruments of the rhythm section?  Should I try to cover that area?

I am also listening to how the other instruments of the ensemble and the overall arrangement and orchestration.   

• Where are the climaxes?  Are there breakdowns?
• What percussion instruments, rhythms, and frequencies will complement the texture of the ensemble as a whole?
• Are some fills at the ends of phrases being played by an instrument other that the drum set (bass, keyboard)?  Where are my exit and reentry points or do I play through the fill?

• Do I really need to play in every section of the song?
• Am I playing too much?
• Could this song possibly work without percussion?
• Does the music call for “groove percussion” or “coloristic percussion” or both?
• Is my part interesting and enhancing without being distracting?

Stay tuned for Part 2

Song Of Truth (Worship Song)

Here's a lyrics video for a song written by Jonathan Malone and me.  ...just guitar and voice (demo version)

There's no percussion (unless you want to remix).  Enjoy and worship!  God is the ultimate truth.

Drummer Cafe

Bart Elliott has been the driving force of  Drummer Cafe since the late nineties.   Bart and I were both freelance musicians in the Dallas area--until his decision to split the Metroplex and head to Nashville.

Since moving to the land of MY birth (Tennessee), Bart has been pumping out news, reviews, lessons, and other bits of percussive info on his multi-layered home on the internet.   Website does not seem adequate to describe Mr. Elliott's drum-iverse.   

There is also a new TV feature on Drummer Cafe hosted by Bart.  

Head on over and check it out at www.drummercafe.com

 

Carolina Christian Hand Drummers & Percussionists

As a former resident of North Carolina (graduate work at East Carolina University and three years in the NC Visiting Artist program), I am happy to find out about the Carolina Christian Hand Drummers and Percussionists Facebook page!

Check it out at 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Carolina-Christian-hand-drummers-and-percussionists/143165379095309

What should I play?

John Homan (a faithful Percussion For Worship reader) sent me an email recently that described a rehearsal in which he pondered that big percussionist question--

What should I play?

Check out these excerpts from Mr. Homan's missive:

Hi Mark,

     Tuesday night at music practice we worked on a new song.  We were taking a Don Moen-type praise and worship song and making it really rock. It was starting from scratch. Once the drummer had determined how he was going to handle the skeleton of the beat, I tried to find where I would fit in. It was a very fast song, the drummer was doing a 2-4 rock beat--mainly playing 4 on the floor kick drum, snare on 2 and 4, and a straight high hat beat.

     I tried different things to add to this, but found it kind of problematic. I could add a cutting shaker to support the driving beat, I could add a rock cowbell on the chorus, I could add djembe beats to add more of a tom-tom/tribal sound since the drummer wasn't getting time to add much more to the that side of the mix, or I could just hang back and add a cymbal swell here and there, and find other little sprinkles to add here and there on the hand drums and other similar things.

     I asked the leader if he was looking for something particular from the percussion side and explained to him what options I saw and he agreed that it wasn't simple and I would just have to feel my way around it to see what sounded good. It's nice to have that freedom and that trust and a leader who lets me figure some things out. I'm fine with this and will figure it out.  I know I'm not the only church percussionist out there with these issues.

      What are some good guidelines when you have a song like this? What are some ways to determine when you are doing too much  or when you can almost trade beat for beat with the drummer? I'd like to hear your wisdom on this situation too.

 

John's email brought to my mind some writing that I have done on this topic.   I plan to post some of that writing in the weeks ahead, but let me give others a chance to contribute some opinions on this topic.

 

Comments?

Cajon/Djembe Article #3

Read the last article in my series on Cajon/Djembe in Worship Musician.  Click the link below and go to page 50 to read the article.

http://www.christianmusician.com/magazines/

Gateway Summer Musical

The Gateway summer musical, The Show starts a weekend run this Friday, August 16, 2013.  Performance schedule is available at www.gatewaypeople.com .  Get there early for the preshow, Star Struck--I am playing percussion for this eight minute bit of slapstick / physical comedy.  Check out this backstage photo of my rather intense percussion set up!

Boss DB-90 Metronome

Practicing the Bb melodic minor scale was more fun this morning.  I powered up my recently acquired Boss DB-90 Dr. Beat and began to play my scale exercises.   A techno groove from the DB-90 accompanied me as my mallets danced along the rosewood bars.   This metronome is a far cry from my tick-tock, pendulum-swinging tempo keeper from my college days and way ahead of my DB-66 from the last decade of the last century.  Every percussionist NEEDS a metronome and this one is packed with features including drum patterns that can be manipulated, subdivisions of the beat, storage of tempi in a playlist--and more.  I am diggin' the DB-90.   A bit on the pricey side--but worth it.

Remix with Beatlab

Percussionist John Homan (an early Percussion For Worship devotee--here's a photo of part of his church setup) recently used Beatlab to concoct a short ambient "mashup."  John took some fragments of my handpan composition, "As The Night Sky Sings," and used sounds from Beatlab to make a remix version. 

Percussionists might want to check out John's work and learn about the Beatlab capabilities.  It might just spark your creativity! 

http://www.beatlab.com/#!/matrices/308309

This link takes you to a recording of the original recording which John sampled:

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/66750338/AsTheNightSkySings.wav

Just in case you are looking for some material to use for remixing on Beatlab, here's a link to an original song by me and Jonathan Malone.  Just guitar and vocal--recorded using click so it should be a good candidate for remixing.  Let me know if you use it.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/66750338/HowBeautifulShines.wav

Cajon and Djembe Article / Worship Musician

May/June issue of Worship Musician contains second article on cajon and djembe.

 

 

 

Click this link to read "Cajon & Djembe: Paradiddles, Permutations, & Patterns" by Mark Shelton

http://issuu.com/cmsproductions/docs/wm_mayjune13_issuu?e=6107002/2735921

Kokiriko Tutorial

 

A Quick Video Tutorial on the Kokiriko

 

 

 

More at www.youtube.com/marksheltonmusic

Cajon & Djembe Article

The current issue of Worship Musician contains an article in my series on Cajon & Djembe

Read the article online by clicking the link below:

 

 

www.christianmusician.com/magazines/

New Video Tutorials at Worship Training

There is a new batch of percussion tutorial videos from my Percussion How To series available for viewing at 

Praise Charts / Worship Training

View samples at:

http://members.worshiptraining.com/courses/percussion-for-worship-technique-tips/

There are a total of 58 videos available

Check out this one!

Gateway Worship The First 10 Years

THE FIRST 10 YEARS

What God has done in the early years of Gateway Church can be heard in the worship songs of the first ten years. Gateway Worship The First 10 Years is a compilation and reflection of what God has done at Gateway and a reminder that He has incredible things in store for our future as we keep giving Him everything in worship. With song titles including "O The Blood" and "Revelation Song,"  The First 10 Years is an album that will take you into the heart of worship and connect you with the vision that began as Gateway Church

...and you can hear a few different percussionists including yours truly, Mark Shelton.

Download the album at iTunes

Meinl Foot Tambourine

Yes, this thing works!   The Foot Tambourine from Meinl Percussion slips right onto your hoof and allows you to jingle along while your hands are otherwise occupied with a djembe, cowbell, or donut.

The four pairs of jingles produce a good volume and the overall construction seems pretty substantial--for a price of about 12 bucks!   I dig it.

http://meinlpercussion.com/products/Product/show/653/650/

Shaker Shuffle

This simple technique makes playing a shuffle / swing feel MUCH easier!

Worship Musician Article Triangle & Suspended Cymbal

Current issue of Worship Musician contains article on triangle and suspended cymbal

Click the link and go to page 43



http://issuu.com/cmsproductions/docs/wm-janfeb13-issuu/43

 

Working Toward Excellence

Working Toward Excellence identifies eight values for achieving excellence in work and life:

Hunger, Effort, Process, Quality, Consistency, Leadership, Time, and Perseverance

AND the book is written by a percussionist!

Paul Buyer is Director of Percussion at Clemson University and knows a thing or two (or eight) about achieving excellence.  

A fairly quick read at around 100 pages, Working Toward Excellence is packed with inspiring stories from business, sports, and the arts along with techniques for raising your standards and reaching your potential.

For more info: www.paulbuyer.com

Forever Yours from Gateway Worship

The drumming skills of six percussionists are part of the recent Gateway Worship "live" recording.
Released back in the fall of 2012, Forever Yours includes Josh Alltop and Chad Whiteley sharing drum set duties and percussionists, James Larza and Caleb Jobe.  Since I was in attendance at the event, I can also report that David Moore and Cody Carnes join in on the "big toms action" in "Be Lifted Higher."  Check out some great songs and some mighty fine percussion from my colleagues with Gateway Worship.

www.gatewayworship.com

Two-tone Drumstick

When you find yourself in that musical moment that requires the sharp attack of a drumstick bead or shaft AND a less pointed sound (soft mallet) but no time for a stick /mallet change, this simple modification can help you deliver both timbres.


Take any drumstick and wrap some "Cushion Tape" (like 3M Nexcare Absolute Waterproof or Dr. Scholl's Moleskin) around the lower shoulder / upper shaft area of the stick. (App. 3 inches of tape)

That's it!  Give this treatment to a couple of sticks and you can easily play that suspended cymbal roll and move instantly to using the bead on the snare drum--or the butt end on the cowbell. 

You can even generate a decent suspended cymbal roll with one stick.

I keep a "doctored pair" in my mallet case.

Setup Of The Month December

Here's the setup that was used this past weekend at the Plymouth Park United Methodist Church (Irving, TX) performance of the Benjamin Harlan cantata, A Candlelight Christmas.

I played percussion along with my college-age drumming daughter, Anna.   We played all the timpani parts (quite a bit) on the Handsonic 15...and the conductor was quite happy with the "digital kettles."   Notice my electronic tuner on the trap table to boost my confidence in the timpani pitches.  

Sleigh Bells--Just In Time

December is here and it is my solemn duty to repost my sleighbells tutorial video.

If you are a percussionist---Don't leave your home without the sleighbells for the next 24 days!

Worship Musician Magazine Article

The recent issue of Worship Musician contains an article based on writings from Percussion For Worship (unpublished book).



You can read the article on line.  Hit the link below and flip to page 48 to read "Tambourine Tips: Random and Useful" in the November / December issue.

http://www.christianmusician.com/magazines/

Triangle Vibrato

   

        Here's one of my Percussion How To videos

 A short tutorial on triangle vibrato

Tycoon Rhythm Rack

In the "Why didn't I think of that?" category...
The Rhythm Rack from Tycoon Percussion!

Here's a photo that I snapped at PASIC earlier this month. 
I was so impressed by The Rhythm Rack! 
Not only can you mount blocks, bells, etc...but you can play them without picking up a stick.  The circular paddles operate mallets that strike the instruments.  You can easily move from congas to cowbell and back using only your hands to play all the sounds.  
Check out the website  (link below) for more info on The Rhythm Rack and other great gear from Tycoon Percussion.

http://www.tycoonpercussion.com/products/shop-product-details/16/557.html

Set Up Of The Month November 2012

Mike Smith sent these photos recently.  The percussion playing of Mike has accompanied James Ingram, Gladys Knight, Marilyn McCoo, Macie Gray, and many more artists. 
 
The top set up is from a Kirk Whalum show.

 

 

Get more info on Mike at his Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=728311849&ref=tn_tnmn

PASIC 2012

It was the return of the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) to the Lone Star State last week.  Attendees to the world's largest gathering of drummers enjoyed Austin's warm temperatures and dozens of concerts and clinics. 

The event is always inspiring (and humbling) as I listen to some of the "greats" perform.  I really dug Keith Terry's body percussion presentation and the father-son duo of Richie and Roland Gajate-Garcia.  Another highlight was the Roland V-Drums National Championships which included performances by Johnny Rabb and Thomas Lang.  The V-Drums are amazing! 

As a member of the Interactive Drumming Committee, I facilitated a Flash Jam on Friday morning.  What a blast!  Drums and Boomwhackers were jamming for about ten minutes outside the exhibit hall.  I looked over and saw my friend, Rich Redmond (Jason Aldean band) joining in the action.
You can get lost in the moment checking out gear at the Exhibit Hall.  Check out this photo of Neil Grover and me at the Grover Pro Percussion booth. 

Grover instruments have been a part of "my sound" for over two decades!
(www.groverpro.com)

Several months ago, Grover released the Roll Ring.  Wow!  With the Roll Ring, you can lay down a confident thumb roll on the tambourine (with no saliva).

Give Me A Groove

Lorentz Publishing / Heritage Music Press has released Give Me A Groove, my percussion book for elementary music grades 3-6.   I'm very excited about this project and decided to share the news with readers of Percussion For Worship.  There are eighteen grooves written for percussion instruments commonly found in music classrooms along with melodies that work on recorder, barred percussion or Boomwhackers (tm).   A performance CD+ Printable Resources is included.   I had a lot of fun writing the book and recording all the percussion parts.   If you know a music teacher that might be interested in this resource, send 'em this link for more info:

http://www.lorenz.com/product.aspx?id=30_2876H

 

 

 

 

 

Set Up Of The Month October 2012

Check out this photo from William Johnson Garcia !   This was William's layout for the North Carolina Baptist Campus Fall Convention from a few weeks ago. 

Don't you dig the two cajons?

I just want to jump into the photo and start wailin' for about twenty minutes.



More info on Mr. Garcia's music at www.williamjohnsonmusic.com

Vibraslap

A short tutorial on the Vibraslap

Vibraslap is a tradmark of latin Percussion

More Percussion How To videos at www.youtube.com/marksheltonmusic

Short---But Worthy Of Much Thought

Did you know that there is not a single word for worship in Greek or Hebrew that has anything to do with music?


Interesting.



Zach Neese, How To Worship A King (Southlake, TX: Gateway Create, 2012, p. 52

"How Beautiful Shines Your Glory" Demo

Jonathan Malone (my songwriting partner) and I wrote this song recently.  I finished mixing this demo recording.  
No percussion...YET         ...any ideas?

Check it out.  You can download it for free. 
Go to soundcloud.com/marksheltonmusic 
Remix it...toss in your ideas

...interested in the lyrics and/or chord chart?
Contact me at markshelton@verizon.net 

Tambourine Timbres

 

In addition to the percussion teaching posts on

Percussion For Worship, there's video tutorials on my You Tube channel.   You'll find info on tambourine, shaker, triangle, snare drum, and more.

 

Here's a sample from www.youtube.com/marksheltonmusic

 

 

 

 

 

 

Be sure to sign up for email alerts when there is a new posting at

Percussion For Worship.

It's at the top right corner.

Finger Shot

"Play a light shaker on the verse and then go to djembe when the chorus hits.   Oh, is there any way that you can keep the shaker going?"

You could grow any extra arm out of your stomach OR use a couple of Finger Shots from Latin Percussion.  

Like the bigger brother One Shot, the Finger Shot only produces sound on one surface. When you place the device on your finger with the elastic band (as in the photo), the shaker sound is activated with the downward motion into the drum head or any surface.  A striking surface is not even necessary...just wave your hand in rhythm! 

Play congas or bongos with a Finger Shot on each hand and there's another layer of sound right in unison with the drums.

I'm keeping a pair in my mallet case.

September Setup Of The Month

 

 

 

Here's a shot of a recent setup of mine.  I was laying down some 808 kick and handclap with the Handsonic 15 (while playing shaker) on that particular weekend.   The Gajate bracket with bass drum pedal is a big help when I need some backbeat tambourine while playing djembe or congas.  The trap table lives on my right side so I can access the items with my dominant hand.   I have a couple of suspended cymbals on my left so that I can play one-hand rolls while playing something more rhythmically intricate with my right.  The tambourines are at the ready on the launch pad (see posting from 4/19/10 on making a launch pad).

 

 

 Percussion For Worship wants to see your setup for possible inclusion on the blog.

Send those pix to markshelton@verizon.net

How To Worship A King

 

"Worship is the soil out of which all meaningful Christian endeavors grow."
Heavy
You get a lot of “heavy” in Zach Neese’s book, How To Worship A King. 

The same guy who penned “The More I Seek You” brings out his serious “author chops” to instruct, inspire, and challenge on the topic of worship.

Zach defines and clarifies the meaning of worship for the believer. 

You become more aware of your role as a priest. 
There is interesting historical perspective on various “Reformations” within Christianity 
…and you get some good anecdotes from the author.  (The rock climbing in sneakers story is quite astounding.)

One of my favorite chapters provides information on Biblical expressions of praise.  While singing, instrumental music, clapping, uplifted hands, dancing, and bowing are all addressed in the section, I was especially drawn to the section on Biblical words for praise. 

Here's #4 on Zach’s list:

Zamar: to sing and give praise while playing an instrument

 

…and I will sing praises (zamar)  unto thy name. 
                                                 2 Samuel 22:50 KJV
…I will sing, yea, I will sing praises (zamar) unto the Lord.                                         Psalm 27:6 KJV

Percussionists…Buy this book and get to zamar-ing!
For ordering info, go to Zach Neese’s website at www.zachneese.com

Maracas / Shaker Style

 

 

 

 

When I play maracas in a "pop" setting, I often use a shaker style method.

 

More tutorial videos at www.youtube.com/marksheltonmusic

Interview With Javier Santiago

If you get the opportunity to hear the Annie Moses Band (www.anniemosesband.com), you'll be impressed with the intricacy and musicianship.   Javier Santiago supplies the percussion power in the ensemble with tasteful trap set playing AND hand drumming skills.  

Percussion For Worship: What was your musical training as you grew up in Puerto Rico?

Javier: I started taking percussion lessons at the age of eleven at a performing arts school in San Juan. I started drumming at church a year later and continued playing music and traveling across Central and South America all through my teen years.  I have a Bachelor's degree in Percussion Performance from the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico and a Master's degree in Jazz Pedagogy from the University of Miami. My musical training and experience are very diverse and full of varied influences.

PFW: What drew you to move to Nashville?

Javier: I moved to Nashville in January of 1999 upon receiving a phone call to tour with the band TRUTH.  Moving to Nashville was never in my long term plans but the call came at just the right time for a fresh start and  a change of scenery. After the tour ended, I felt God prompting me to remain in Nashville and follow His lead. This was a free new start indeed!

PFW: You’ve backed some well-known Christian artists.  How about dropping a  few names?

Javier: Back in the mid 90's, I had the opportunity to play with Ron Kenoly in a couple of festivals in Puerto Rico. In 1999, I played percussion in a tour that included 4Him, Russ Taff, and Wayne Watson. I also played for Travis Cotrell, Ronnie Freeman, Nestor Torres, and many others.

PFW: I heard you playing with the Annie Moses Band a few years ago.   There are a lot of styles being played in that show.  Tell us a little about playing drums and percussion with that ensemble.

Javier: Playing with the Annie Moses Band gives me the opportunity to put into practice everything I learned in school and every previous musical experience. Growing up, I played in many churches and with a wide variety of ensembles. AMB's arrangements are extremely musical and require great sensitivity and creativity. Drum parts are not specifically written for me so the end result is typically a combination of many ideas tried and worked out during rehearsal and recording.

PFW: I understand that you have an interest in some “expanded techniques” on the cajon.  Please share a little about your cajon ideas. 

Javier: I love to play the cajon! It's one of the most versatile hand drums out there. I was introduced to the instrument in Peru a few years ago and to the flamenco cajon shortly thereafter. First of all, it is very important to know the difference between the two instruments and the techniques and applications of each one. I've studied some of this techniques and use them in playing the cajon in all kinds of musical situations. I also add a hi-hat, tambourine with a pedal, and shakers to play more of a drum set/percussion  part in acoustic and semi-acoustic settings. Using a combination of hands and left foot  (playing the hi-hat in more of an open hand technique between it and the cajon) allows me to play any kind of pattern imaginable. You can make this instrument as personal as the sticks you play.  

Javier Santiago endorses and plays with joy:

Innovative Percussion

Longo Custom Solid Shell Snares

Machudo Cajon

Percussion Tutorials at PraiseCharts /WorshipTraining

Check out PraiseCharts / WorshipTraining

Follow the link at the bottom of this post for a sample of a video and info on Worship Training Courses including:

Percussion For Worship: Technique & Tips

Professional percussionist Mark Shelton shares information for percussionists, worship leaders, producers, and anyone desiring to learn about the use of this family of instruments in both contemporary and traditional Christian worship. Enjoy Mark’s entertaining (and sometimes humorous) teaching style while acquiring knowledge on tambourine, triangle, cymbals, timpani, claves, maracas, and more. 

http://members.worshiptraining.com/blog/media/headed-tambourine-basics/

August Set Up Of The Month

Jon E. Kirk ministers from this grand percussion station at Concord First Assembly of God Church.
You can also find Bill Elliot sharing the duties at this multi-timbral playground in North Carolina. 
In addition to his work at the church, Jon serves at a band director / percussion specialist in nearby China Grove, NC.

Keep sending in those photos to Percussion For Worship (markshelton@verizon.net)

DVD: Transitioning From Drummer To Musician

Whether an absolute beginner or seasoned pro, there is valuable educational material on the new DVD from Chris Knox.  The recent release from Musical Metamorphosis, Transitioning From Drummer To Musician contains instruction on a wide range of topics including grips, set up, fills, rudiments, and developing creativity. 

You'll enjoy Chris Knox throwing down (with taste) on a few songs backed by a highly skilled band. The Texas musician gives you ample servings of knowledge on this info packed disc.   The DVD is just under two hours AND includes downloadable exercises in PDF format.

Solid teaching, practical info, and inspiring playing!

Check out www.chrisknox.net for more info.

Stick Control

Among the hundreds of percussion instructional books available, there are several "classics" of teaching texts.   Stick Control is a favorite of mine and the "tape repair job" on my personal copy bears witness to the many times it has been used in my drumming career.  For three quarters of a century, drummers have sharpened their skills with this famous educational opus by George Lawrence Stone. Stick Control contains material that can benefit ANY percussionist (drum set player, hand percussionist, mallet player, orchestral percussionist, or drum circle enthusiast).   The first nine pages of exercises alone can increase your playing level.  Mr. Stone's tome gives variation upon variation of sticking patterns for many basic rhythms.   The exercises can be played with sticks on a single surface, executed on multiple surfaces (giving you some ideas for fills), and played with brushes "sliding" the patterns (an idea from drum set great Ed Soph).

Stick Control is currently published by Alfred Music.