Seems like they have a very good grasp of the skills needed to be an effective drummer... the comment "about to break everything" sounds a bit juvenile... that would turn me off... but they did say "kind of" ... but maybe they really mean someone who can be "animated" instead of boreing (like me)  when I play.  I've been told that I don't play loud enough... my response is "ok, we can mic the kit and make it as loud as you like" 

I can conjure lots of volume, including with the foot, but I was taken aback by the comments, knowing what's going on in our bars.  Bands get told to turn down around here, not crank it up.   Our crew of bar hoppers wants to drink and talk while hearing music.

Well, it will be an adventure.  I'm over my obsession with hooking up immediately with a gigging situation.  I have already seen a ton of time wasters since moving back to drumming and seeking a gig.  I'll just have a laugh with it, and if it turns into something real, yippee.   If not, I now have a funny quote from someone talking about "almost breaking everything."   

[Ok, where are my HF Vater tree trunks?]

Did somebody say "Louder?"

No, I have never been told to play louder, even with light sticks. I have always thought the key was to use my ears. I have played music when the bass player was vibrating dishes off the shelf and CD's off the rack and they told me to play a little softer. My response was "I play to the level of the bass player, he needs to turn down", then I will play softer.
                          Nutty

Actually, Jeff put his sticks through all of his tom-toms plus the snare drum - he played the fill, stabbing the drums, holding the sticks like daggers!! 

One of the keys to sounding loud on the drums, is to have a loud-sounding kit, with minimal dampening. Especially the bass drum, which is easily over-dampened. A room with lively acoustics can certainly help. The visual aspect is probably important as well - it has to look like you're playing loud. 

2B's..... held in reverse

...oh god. Let me guess, he has his cymbals up really high and flat and thinks he must be a really good drummer because he keeps cracking them?

Hehe sorry, couldn't help myself. I'm sure that's not the case at all. Though I think we've all met one of those drummers 




or been one of those drummers

Sheer volume is not the only thing I pick up from the audition notes.
They just want someone who plays straight forward and solid.
You don't need a loud kit, or loud cymbals, you just need to put effort, energy and enthusiasm into your playing.
When I was a young player, competing at auditions, I noticed that the drummers who played mid-volume and focused on their own playing instead of on the band sound as a totality (kind of introverted), more often than not didn't get the job.
The sound of Pop/Rock is the sound of a drum kit being played loudly and confidently.
It's more of a sound and energy thing than just a volume thing.
I hear the point about bars looking for lower volume bands.
If I were doing the audition, I'd play loud and solid, then address the volume issues at each venue as they occur.

Mr. Frank...perhaps if you need some further insight - This approach may be what their
looking for..... 

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/tommyaldridgeyamaha.html

Gotta love Mr. Aldridge. 

I thought I would throw this one in from my local scene this weekend:

Pro drummer wanted for local jobs. We are a three piece and play about 7 to 10 times a month. You must have reliable transportation, your own professional equipment, monitor and vocal gear, be able to appreciate constructive criticism. Must be proficient in rock, blues and funk, pop, country. Want to hear an mp3(s) of your live playing and a brief history of who you have been working with for the last 15 years. No beginners. Your vocal's would be a plus if you sing. We are looking for a drummer who wants to make music with us not show us how hard drums can be hit, no offence. Like we said in the beginning " Pro Drummer ". Please send your info to be considered. We will call if we like what we hear.
Location: Cincy Area


be able to appreciate constructive criticism. Haha, I always love that one!

I don't see the relationship between making music and how hard one hit's their instrument if it is appropriate.