For this task, I will be discussing the videos I made in Task 2, and then evaluating how it went. Also I’ll be comparing it to the challenges I discussed in Task 1.
What have I learned about what I want to develop as a performer?
Physical Challenge: For this, I have decided to improve on my stamina because it is a key skill that you need when you want to be in the performance side of the music industry. If you are constantly gigging like 3/4 times a week, you will get tired and you’ll need the stamina to keep going. I struggle to get through a 40 minute set, let alone 3 gigs a week at minimum.
Technical Challenge: For the technical challenge, I wanted to develop my dynamics further, particularly with the volume of snares and bass drums. This is important because you need to be able to have a range of dynamics when performing as it’s important to emphasize the volume. The dynamics you use, express the mood that the song is trying to display. Rock for example, wouldn’t be played quietly so you need loud dynamics to show that. I am good with dynamics in rock songs, however with slower more gentle songs, you need to play softly.
Communication Challenge: For the communication challenge, I want to develop my stage confidence with ‘feeling the groove’. This is a major skill that’s needed because you need to show the audience that you want to be there and you are enjoying the gig. The reason I have this challenge, is because I’ve often been given feedback saying that I don’t look like I want to be at the gig. However I am actually enjoying the performance, I just tend to concentrate and it means I don’t look too happy.
What do I need to do to accomplish these goals?
Physical Challenge: To accomplish my physical challenge, I need to practice more. When I rehearse I will play through full setlists or a load of tracks I know I can play fully really well. It is good practice because I need to be able to play for a long amount of time due to gigs. I will create a setlist and go through it twice a week without fail so I can get used to the amount of effort I need to put in.
Technical Challenge: To accomplish my technical challenge I need to practice techniques and songs that use dynamics. These need to be practiced daily as it will benefit me in the future because it will help me become a better drummer.
Communication Challenge: To accomplish my communication challenge, I just need to practice with a mirror to check how I look. Or film myself perform so I can watch it back and see how I am doing as it’s important that I look good and happy whilst I am ‘feeling the groove’.
Evaluation of my performances, with reference to task 1:
Physical Challenge: In my performances, I demonstrated great stamina, although the videos don’t really express that because they aren’t very long. However I practiced around an hour after each video that I managed to take. Unfortunately I can’t prove that but the stamina is definitely improving and building slowly. I often became breathless and my hands or feet would ache, but I sadly don’t have video evidence to prove this fact. I am going to practice more and build my stamina up so I can take on the longer performances without burning through my energy within the first 20 or so minutes.
Technical Challenge: With my technical challenge, it is definitely shown when I play ‘Supermassive Black Hole’ as I use the low toms rim as a constant beat in the chorus as I need it to be heard but not too distinctive. I then move to the hi-hat in the pre-choruses and also the choruses because it gives the song more depth. For the solo and the last chorus in the song, I use the crash cymbal as that is when the song is at its peak, dynamic/volume wise. The use of dynamics showed the songs gradual build up, and made it seem more complex and not as dull.
Communication Challenge: For my communication challenge, I think it is clear to see that I have given the whole ‘feeling the groove’ look a pretty decent shot. Without playing in front of an audience, it’s hard to get the vibe of the song and the feeling of the groove because a lot of that is usually caused by the people in the room with you. However I have tried to look like I am enjoying it, more then I already am as I find it difficult to concentrate and smile lots at the same time. I nod along to the beat more in ‘Lithium’ and the other two songs as well. I do my best to keep the happiness going but I did often forget and slipped back into my concentration face. Because of this, I am going to practice more and more by filming myself when I play, so I can work on my look and therefore look happier and more confident when I go back to playing with a band again in the future.
Fran Adams Drums 