Group Drum Set! (Group Warm Up)

Created by Hannah Judas

When working at my summer theater workshops, our students (grades 4-12) were doing “Camp Rock.” Naturally, I created a vocal warm up where the cast had to create a “group drum set.” For my example, I split the giant group into three (about 10 people per group), and each group was a different part of the drum set. One group was the bass drum, one group was the hi-hat, and the other group was the snare drum.

Since the bass drum needs to give a steady beat, I always start with the bass. Then I added on the hi-hat, and finally the snare drum.

We grew in loudness together to be as loud as “rockers” on a concert stage and then did a fadeout like what happens on most recordings. The goal was to make sure we grew in loudness and quietness as a team!

I only did three groups, but there are so many other parts to the drum set that you can use to create your own “human drum set!” Everyone also loves a good cowbell!

• High Tom

• Medium Tom

• Floor Tom

• Ride Cymbal

• Crash Cymbal

If there are any drummers, feel free to put your own isolated drum set rhythms in the comments below!