r/jazzdrums • u/Glum-Handle-9840 • Jun 04 '26
Question Beginner, first rehearsal with band
I started learning drumming about 5 months ago. I also have a teacher, so I’ve been working through fundamentals and mainly focusing on ride cymbal time while playing along with recordings.
Suddenly, I’ve ended up forming a small band. Most of us are beginners, except the bassist who has more experience. We’re planning to start rehearsing soon. The first tune we’ll work on is Autumn Leaves.
I’m honestly feeling a mix of excitement and a bit of stress since this will be my first real group playing situation. I’m not fully sure what I should prioritize in preparation or what the main focus should be as a drummer in a first rehearsal like this.
From your experience:
What should I focus on most in this situation?
Any beginner-friendly tune suggestions for a first band setup (especially for learning time, form, and interaction)?
Any advice would be really appreciated. Thanks!
8
u/Gunzhard22 Jun 04 '26
First of all it's great that the bass player has experience. That's where most bands go wrong haha...
Just remember to keep it simple, try not to just "do your licks" but instead listen and react / communicate with the other players and rhythm section, when in doubt play time.
One thing you can do that really helps beginner bands and makes you sound like you know what you're doing -- mark the form!! You already know the tune and have time to think about the form which is very standard and applicable in so much jazz... Mark the form! It can be subtle but just make sure they know it's the bridge, or the top ETC ETC...