The
terms ‘drum kits’ and ‘drum sets’ are interchangeably
used to describe a collection of drums and cymbals. Other percussion
instruments that can be part of the set can include a cowbell, chimes,
wood block, or tambourines. All of these pieces are arranged so that
a single drummer has access to each piece simultaneously. Drummers
have to be able to keep steady time without rushing the beat, must
understand complex polyrhythms, complement the soloists with percussive
kicks and rim shots, as well as be prepared to have the entire focus
on them when they perform a drum solo.
Every aspiring young drummer dreams of playing solos on drum sets.
A drum solo may be improvised or planned in advance and can be any
length. It might also be the main performance of the concert. When
we think of rock 'n roll drummers, we think of headbangers with excessive
energy because their solos are traditionally almost always unaccompanied
and quite loud. They are also usually freeform and do not have to
maintain the tempo, style, or structure of the song being performed.
When drum sets are used in a jazz solo, the musicians usually play
within the form of the song. For example, if the tune has 64 bars,
the soloist will typically play for that length, though when jazz
musicians experimented in the 60s and 70s they took more than one
chorus and sometimes abandoned the structure completely. Jazz drummers
may also alternate for more solos with other players in the band.
Gene Krupa was one of the most famous musicians for his famous solos
during dance concerts at the height of the big band movement. These
solos were relatively simple, but electrified American dancers all
over the country. Thirty years later jazz drummer Elvin Jones made
just as much noise as rock musicians who might have had far more equipment
in their drum kit just by playing complex rhythms and adding unexpected
rhythmic punches to his playing.
Drum sets are even used for extended passages in worship music and
classical music. In church music a drum solo is called a drum lift.
Here the singing is backed only by the drums and it is not normally
considered a solo since the singers participate as well, but there
is tremendous focus on the drummer. A drum lift may be improvised
or set in length and structure. It can be short or last for an entire
verse. Less common is the use of drum sets in classical music, but
some contemporary composers have written compositions for orchestra
and drum set.
If you or one of your children are shopping for one of the many drum
sets available on the market, ask yourself some important questions.
Remember, there is a lot of practice time to log before you become
a star soloist. This can help you determine whether you need a full-size
drum set or simply a beginner’s practice pad. Your musical instructor
can be a valuable resource in directing you to the appropriate equipment.
Buying brand-name drums is a safe bet, but keep in mind that off
brand beginner drum sets have improved in quality and can now save
you hundreds of dollars. Also ask yourself if you want to purchase
one of the many quality electronic drum sets and what kind of brushes
and sticks you need to perform in your genre. You will also need to
learn the ins and outs of drum set tuning.