Why do drummers pull sheet music out when a tune is called?

[Hardbopjazz]

I often wondered why drummers need the sheet music. Just about every show/set I've gone to I always see the drummer pull out the sheet music to the tune that is going to be played.

Edited April 12, 2015 by Hardbopjazz

[CJ Shearn]

It could be the tune is a head arrangement or something a bit more elaborate. Head arrangements at least from my understanding from having musician friends is that they are a bit more tricky then just blowing the melody to like, "All the Things You Are" b/c they are learned by memory/ear. And the drummer may need the music to make hits! Just a guess!!

Edited April 12, 2015 by CJ Shearn

[AllenLowe]

it's a actually a little bit like when you give your kid a plastic steering wheel for the back seat so he can pretend he's driving.

[David Ayers]

it's a actually a little bit like when you give your kid a plastic steering wheel for the back seat so he can pretend he's driving.

Well - and not speaking as a drummer - but in my experience the drummer is the least indispensable part of a band...

[John Tapscott]

Because every drummer is not Buddy Rich who apparently had every chart (even the toughest) nailed down after hearing it played through once or twice at most.

Edited April 12, 2015 by John Tapscott

[CJ Shearn]

Because every drummer is not Buddy Rich who apparently had every chart (even the toughest) nailed down after hearing it played through once or twice at most.

Edited April 12, 2015 by CJ Shearn

[Bill Nelson]

"Cause when the drummer has to drop a 'big one' in the middle of a tune, the sheets allow them to stay clean without missing a beat."

(C'mon, where's all the drummer jokers? This topic title was the perfect set-up!)

[page]

Well, in case of arrangements it is expected that musicians can read and read well, so they use sheetmusic like any other musician. In orchestras and big bands it is expected of you that while you receive a new song, you read and play on the spot. I've noticed that at sessions most people won't bring sheet music for the drummer. I always ask first whether they would like a sheet and that is often appreciated. In some cases it is really handy that everyone can see the form. (I bring my own songs or renditions). In some cases there can be a time measure change like in 'The look of love' is? When there is, I specifically will note that to all musicians before starting. I always discuss with the drummer what tempo I want and the rhythm. The rest I leave up to his or her own input.

[AllenLowe]

all seriousness aside; when I do sessions my music is usually somewhat irregular - meaning it has odd numbers of measures, different sections, irregularly constructed bridges, changes in tempo and time signature - so (almost) any good drummer will want to see the lead sheets -

Edited April 13, 2015 by AllenLowe

[page]

Ha! Yes indeed. Well out here they usually play from the RB, but anyway I would love to hand out my sheet to you should we run into each other some time at a session. Only if you want one of course.

[Scott Dolan]

it's a actually a little bit like when you give your kid a plastic steering wheel for the back seat so he can pretend he's driving.

Hahahaha…

Classic!

I'll make it even worse for my poor old stick swinging brethren: I play drums but can't read a lick of music.