Channel The Rain

Instead of believing we know what's best or that our perceived way of doing things is the only logical way, progression of learning things, etc. for everyone we meet... what if we imagine ourselves as a drummer and percussionist? When called to do a gig, you may be told the venue provides the drums or a "house kit" which is/will already be setup for you. Now, for those of you who aren't drummers, you may say "Great!" and think you're all good and there's nothing more for you to do... except show up for the gig. Those of us who are drummers; however, will think of all of the memes showing warped, bent, and dinged cymbals and hi-hats and all sorts of partial, limited, and incorrect configurations for the everyday normal drummer... let alone any special accommodations we've made in adjusting our own kits, to meet our individual body and playing style needs. Then, there are the possible missing pieces and parts... all of which are unknown. Wise and skilled drummer JJ Jones advises to always keep a tool kit for those times clubs or venues insist they have a "house kit" for you to play... containing anything from felts, washers, wing nuts, and more that often are magically missing from club or venue house kits. You'll also need your own sticks, mics, hearing protection/in ear monitors, amps/soundboards/monitors/etc. to name just a few items. Do you bring your own drum throne for comfort, in case the one provided has lost its positional acumen? So many other things to consider you might need despite being told "We've got a house kit setup for you, and it's all ready to go!" 

What about preparation for the gig? What if you don't know the bandmates or the music they'll be playing? Do you know how to play the type of music they'll be playing, the songs they'll be doing, and will you be able to effectively and efficiently "sit in" with them; so, all parties will have a pleasant experience?

What if you simply say "yes," to "a" gig to simply be in "a" room, rather than ensuring you're going to be in "the right room/gig..." with other musicians, artists, and music professionals who are like-minded in the intention or purpose? Would it be satisfying or detrimental to your growing as a musician, artist, performer?

Some will contend you should say "Yes" to anything and everything to get your feet in the door, for exposure, etc. But, what if we recognize the propensity of an "improper fit" of a drum kit setup or gig interaction before we simply say "yes" to go along to get along?

What if we feel more open to saying we appreciate the opportunity; but, it's not what we can structure into our schedule at this time. This way, we can focus on learning the additional things we feel we want and know we need to become more proficient at BEing and performing... the way we intend? What if we seek it from the correct, supportive, environment speaking WITH us... as equal colleagues no matter our skill level... not ones waving their flags and shouting AT us, potentially always seeing us from the skill level at which we first met or joined a previously thought mutual goal journey, you realized was not what truly spoke with you... at some point?

As the drummer in and of our lives, only we know what our life experiences; and our learning and growth journeys, have been thus far. Therefore, only we know what kits, what accessories, and what gigs we feel comfortable in accepting now and the tools we need to grow into the ones we want to accept or embrace. Would we ever demand musicians or artists perform music entirely outside of their comfort wheel houses? Maybe a bad question; because, there are people who attend venues with the entitlement they can shout whatever they want to demand... and sadly, more and more people feel all too inclined to do the same within our everyday lives, as well. What if we simply remained quiet and actually listened to all of the sides of a musician and artist and let them share with us what they know, what they've felt, what they've learned, and where they would love to go... to simply BE... themselves... wholly... completely... embraced... as they are?