‘Play skilfully with a shout of joy’. Psalm 33 v3
We understand that to play with skill is to play with technique, musical knowledge, speed and dexterity, control and precision and with professional attitude. Great attributes to have but the word here is the Hebrew word, Yatah, and has similarities to Sakal. The translation ‘skill’ in itself however isn’t enough. To play drums with Sakal is also to play with wisdom and sensitivity, not proud or showing off but with a heart that is open to the Holy Spirit, playing with obedience, passion, humility and authority. Drumming is a response from the heart; it should be both spontaneous and reactive. We should bear this in mind when we have the honour and privilege to worship our Father in Heaven, whether we play kit, djembe, congas or shaker.
Advice for playing shakers
If you are playing shakers in a worship band I have to make the assumption that you are being mic’d. Perhaps a little obvious but if you’re playing in a large church service and you’re not being amplified you could be wasting your time. For smaller settings, home/cell groups, small meetings, acoustic settings, yes great, no need for amplification. Play close to the microphone otherwise the accents and dynamics won’t carry.
It does depend a bit whether you are playing percussion with a kit player, doing both kit and percussion or playing as the solo percussionist but on most occasions I will play a 16th note even pattern. Tapping your foot does really help keep time and an even groove. Listen to where the accents fall within the rhythm and then start to add accents on the shaker (open note) and evolve the sound. The shaker can add real texture to the sound so experiment with the dynamics i.e. if the band volume builds and then cuts back just to the shaker to keep the rhythm going. Talk to other band members about how they can use and integrate your sounds. If you’re not careful, being a small voice among electric guitars and drums your sound can get lost so pick your moments.
If the volume increases I often switch shakers for a larger one to increase the volume or use a tambourine – usually in the chorus and then switch back to egg shaker for the verse. Did I mention that the eggs come in different colours these also denote different pitches and volume? You really have to pick the right songs, and the egg shaker won’t suit them all. It certainly works well with quieter songs, worship songs that are often used for response or reflection or choruses that build musically. Happy shaking.
Other posts you might like:
Part 1 of Mark’s article on the shaker egg.
Percussion lesson – djembe in worship
Ask the Expert – Learning Cajon Drum
Other suggestions
Psalm Drummers Association
Book suggestion: A Heart to Drum by Psalm Drummer Terl Bryant
Meinl, Toca, LP eggs available from most music shops or on-line at Amazon.
Musicademy produces instructional DVDs for Beginning Drums as well as Intermediate players which include lessons on percussion. There is also a drum work-out CD.