learn to read music, play then perform

what is the
Birmimgham Drum Battery?

The Birmingham Drum Battery (BDB) is a group for drummers of all levels who want to improve their reading skills and perform together. We’ll offer sessions to learn rudiments, patterns, and sticking while providing opportunities to perform as a disciplined ensemble.

Learn to Read

No matter your ability, the group is designed to help you to improve your understanding of musical notation.

  • Unlike a drum circle, the BDB is geared towards playing from and memorising notated music.

  • All music is split into 3 parts (beginner, moderate, advanced). This gives you the ability to choose your difficulty.

  • Improve through playing with the group regularly.

  • Open new doors to join other groups within Misfits or another organisation.

Learn to play

Learn rudiments, patterns and sticking that make playing percussion easier, rewarding and fun.

  • Rudiments are scales of the percussion world. They provide you the tools to play and learn complex patterns.

  • Sticking refers to the order in which your sticks hit the drum during a specific pattern.

  • Playing with us will help you to improve your playing technique.

Learn to Perform

The BDB will be a tight-knit ensemble of community drummers, known for their precision and teamwork.

  • There will be an emphasis on presentation in terms of both appearance and performance.

  • We will explore movement and basic choreography.

  • The result of rehearsals will be performances that will stun and amaze audiences.

We’ll be inspired by…

…exciting music from military traditions, show bands and marching bands

Though this example is pretty advanced, this shows the performative excitement that can be created through drum cadences played with military precision.

The Blue Man Group is one of the most famous show bands in the world, combining tech, staging and percussion together into a visual spectacle that has entertained audiences since the 80’s

This example from stickstoff takes simple choreography and combines it with unison drum patterns that create mesmerising shapes with sticks and the buckets they use.

Additional Information

Who can
join?

We welcome any drummer or percussionist over the age of 18. All abilities are welcome. Everyone will learn to read notated music by getting involved. Advanced players are also encouraged whether they can read music already or not.

If you have a drum or drum kit a but can’t play at home because you live in the city, the Birmingham Drum Battery will be the perfect outlet for you.

Your leader,
reuben

Reuben studied composition at Birmingham Conservatoire after training as a drummer and orchestral percussionist, using these experiences to influence his own work and arrangements.

He currently works as the Music Director of Misfits Music, leading a variety of different groups across the city.

What to
Bring

To keep logistics easy, (as it’s a nightmare to carry a whole drum kit around), We ask that you bring:

  • A snare drum, stand, stool and sticks if you are a moderate to advanced level music notation reader.

  • A floor tom, stool and sticks if you are a beginner level music notation reader

  • A shaker or tambourine if you have neither a snare drum nor a floor tom. We will have spares that can be borrowed in sessions

  • A water bottle

  • A music stand

  • Ear Protection (e.g. ear plugs or defenders)

 

When and where
will we meet?

The venue is currently unknown, but we are planning to run sessions in south, central or west Birmingham.

We are planning to run fortnightly sessions on Wednesdays. The times of sessions are to be decided.

HOW MUCH will IT COST?

Your first session will be Free! After that, we ask members to pay our standard session rates.

Either:

Reduced £5 per week
Normal £8 per week
Pay it Forward £10+ per week

You’ll be able to pay on the day, online or make a standing order. Visit our “member subs” page for further details.


There are a number of free places available for people with low income. You can let us know you’re interested in this when you sign up.

Fill out the short form using the button below. If you are unable to fill out the form, don’t worry, contact us and we’ll get you sorted!