Drums – membranophones (or an instrument that creates sound when an object is struck against a stretched membrane) – are among the earliest instruments, dating back to 6000 BC. Early drums were probably constructed of hollowed tree trunks covered with animal skins. As cultures progressed, so did drum evolution, which came to include drums with membranes at both ends and bodies constructed of metal, bone and pottery. We associate drums with music making in the 21st century, but 8,000 years ago, they were an important element in ritual and communication. Representations of drums can be found in the art of almost every ancient civilization – from Egypt and Africa to China.
The Drum Kit a Modern Development
While drums, in various shapes and sizes, have been around practically since the beginning of time, the drum kit, as we know it today, has not. In fact, the integration of various toned drums, originated with New Orleans’ marching and parade bands at the turn of the last century. Cymbals and toms were the next to be added, followed by chimes, wood blocks and the whole array of percussion instruments that we’re familiar with today. Before the Second World War, the standard
From Plainsong to Praise Band – The Evolution of Church Music
Most of us remember that the earliest Christian church music, popular throughout the Middle Ages, was monophonic, plainsongs typified by the Gregorian chant. By the 16th century, polyphonic music (incorporating multiple melodies in one song) was gaining popularity as a way for both clergy and congregants to celebrate God. Martin Luther used a traditional form called “bar tune” (not to be associated with tavern songs, a common misconception) to rewrite chants and create new hymns, many of which are still sung in churches today. The 17th century heralded the era of composers like Bach, and in the 18th century, the arrival of African slaves brought new singing styles (for instance, call-and-response), “spirituals” and percussion to Christian music.
Not much changed, musically speaking, in Christian churches until the end of the 20th century, when folk music and acoustic guitars began to find their way into worship services. In the past five or ten years, contemporary Christian churches have led the way in bringing fresh and often electrified music to the worship experience. In the space of a decade, more has happened to change the face of church music than in the prior century. The church organ now shares the stage with electric guitars, amps, keyboards and … drum kits.
One of the sweeping changes that occurred in contemporary Christian churches around 1993 was the integration of personal expressions of praise. It signaled the arrival of praise music that celebrated individual experiences, inspiring congregants to participate in church services in some surprising new ways.
Here’s what one pastor had to say, “We wanted to do a worship renewal project that would unite the congregations in our community. We thought about this question: If we put aside the theology, what unites us? It’s our heartbeat. We all have that in common. And 90 percent of cultures have a drum beat”.
This church in Ferndale, Michigan, and countless others have incorporated everything from offering African drumming classes (usually involving the djembe) to encouraging worshippers to bring in small, often home made hand percussion instruments to play during worship services. (Gourds and tins filled with beans were popular.) Advocates have different opinions about why percussion has such a positive effect on worship. But most seem to agree that the effect is dramatic, uplifting, unifying — and even if not everyone can find or keep the beat — moving.
An Introduction to Drums in Worship
Grace Notes: Tips from Drummer Carl Albrecht
Joyful Noise: Worship at Bethel A.M.E. Church
The Shure Calendar Product Spotlight: Drum Mics
Shure Notes™ Archive
Change My Preferences E-mail to a Friend Privacy Policy