Unlocking the Backstage Beats
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a successful musical theater production? Well, my friends, today we’re about to pull back the curtain and dive into the captivating world of percussion and percussion design in the magical realm of musical theater.
As a passionate percussionist myself, I’ve always been fascinated by the intricate rhythms and captivating beats that bring these grand stage performances to life. And let me tell you, it’s not as simple as just keeping the beat – there’s a whole symphony of complexity happening under the spotlights.
So, strap in and get ready for a rhythmic adventure, because we’re about to unpack the secrets of the drumming craft, straight from the heartbeats of the industry. I had the privilege of sitting down with Jared Neal and Javier Solis, the dynamic duo who keep the pulse pounding for the one and only Lauren Daigle. These two percussionists are the real deal, and they’re about to share their unique insights and gig-war stories that will leave you in awe.
The Nashville Number System: Cracking the Rhythmic Code
As Jared and Javier explained, navigating the world of musical theater percussion isn’t just about laying down a steady beat – it’s about mastering the art of reading drum charts and understanding the Nashville number system. This ingenious system is the musical theater percussionist’s secret weapon, allowing them to adapt to the ever-changing rhythmic landscapes of a production.
“The Nashville number system is like a secret language that we percussionists use to communicate,” Jared revealed, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “It’s all about understanding the chord changes and structure of the music, so we can improvise and adjust our rhythms on the fly.”
Javier chimed in, “Exactly! It’s not just about hitting the drums – it’s about listening, anticipating, and reacting to the ebb and flow of the music. That’s where the real magic happens.”
As they delved deeper into the intricacies of the Nashville number system, I couldn’t help but be in awe of the level of musicality and precision required to excel in this field. It’s like a secret percussive code that only the true masters can crack.
The Art of Percussion Design
But the rhythmic journey doesn’t stop there, my friends. The percussion design in musical theater is a whole other world of artistry and innovation. Jared and Javier shared insights into how they approach the creation and customization of their drum setups, each element carefully selected to complement the specific demands of the production.
“It’s not just about throwing a bunch of drums on stage and hoping for the best,” Jared explained with a chuckle. “We’ve got to think about the acoustics of the theater, the overall aesthetic of the show, and how the percussion will interact with the other instruments.”
Javier nodded in agreement, “Absolutely. It’s all about finding the perfect balance between form and function. We might have to swap out a floor tom for a more compact option, or experiment with different cymbal sizes and placements to achieve the desired sound and visual impact.”
As they delved into the details of their personal setups, I couldn’t help but feel a growing sense of admiration for the level of thought and creativity that goes into percussion design for musical theater. It’s a true art form, where functionality and aesthetics seamlessly converge.
Gig-War Stories and the Exhilaration of Live Performance
Of course, no discussion of the percussion world would be complete without a few gig-war stories, and Jared and Javier were more than happy to oblige. Jared recounted a hilarious incident where he had to use a floor tom as his kick drum, after his primary drum had a technical malfunction just moments before showtime.
“I’m telling you, it was pure chaos backstage,” Jared laughed, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “But we just had to roll with it, you know? The show must go on, and we weren’t about to let a little technical hiccup throw us off our game.”
Javier chimed in, “Absolutely! And you know, that’s just the nature of the beast in this industry. You’ve got to be ready for anything and everything, and have the skills to adapt on the fly.”
As they shared their experiences of the thrill and the pressure of live performances, I couldn’t help but feel a newfound appreciation for the sheer artistry and resilience of these percussion masters. It’s not just about keeping time – it’s about channeling the energy of the audience, anticipating the ebb and flow of the music, and delivering a performance that leaves everyone in awe.
Finding Balance: The Challenges of Life on the Road
Of course, with the exhilaration of live performances comes the challenges of life on the road. Jared and Javier were quick to acknowledge the delicate balancing act required to maintain a healthy personal and professional life while touring with Lauren Daigle.
“It’s all about finding that sweet spot between being present for your family and giving your all to the performance,” Javier explained, his brow furrowed with the weight of experience. “You’ve got to be intentional about how you manage your time and energy, or else you’ll end up burning out fast.”
Jared nodded in agreement, “Absolutely. That’s why we’re so grateful for the support system we have in Nashville. The touring culture there is all about collaboration and community, which really helps us stay grounded and focused.”
As they shared their strategies for maintaining that crucial work-life balance, I couldn’t help but be inspired by their dedication and wisdom. It’s a reminder that even the most talented and successful performers are still human, and that finding that harmony between the stage and the home front is a constant work in progress.
Advice for the Next Generation of Percussionists
With their wealth of experience and expertise, Jared and Javier had plenty of insights to share with the next generation of percussionists looking to make their mark in the world of musical theater.
“First and foremost, it’s all about teamwork,” Jared emphasized, his voice filled with conviction. “You can’t be a lone wolf in this industry – you’ve got to be willing to work alongside your fellow musicians, support each other, and bring out the best in one another.”
Javier chimed in, “Absolutely. And that ‘less is more’ approach? It’s so important, especially when it comes to percussion. You don’t need to be the loudest or the flashiest – you just need to be the most musical and in tune with the overall vibe of the production.”
As they shared their insights, I couldn’t help but feel a renewed sense of inspiration and respect for the art of percussion in musical theater. It’s not just about drumming – it’s about storytelling, collaboration, and a deep understanding of the rhythmic fabric that holds these grand productions together.
So, if you’re a budding percussionist with dreams of taking the stage in a musical theater masterpiece, take heed of Jared and Javier’s wise words. Embrace the power of teamwork, learn to listen and adapt, and never forget the magic that lies in the rhythms that bring these stories to life.
And who knows, maybe one day, you’ll be the one sharing your own gig-war stories and percussion design secrets with the next generation of musical theater maestros. The beat goes on, my friends, and it’s up to us to keep the rhythm alive.
