Drummers at Prayer

First off, here is the link to "Welcome My Sisters, Welcome My Brothers" at Sheet Music Plus. I have made it available as a full score, with permission to reproduce the words and melody songsheet as bulletin inserts or as a projected songsheet.

Next, I do want to thank everyone for the experience of drumming prayers that we shared on Wednesday. Also, thanks to those who let me know about how they experienced the prayers. As the leader of that experience, I felt a little torn between fully immersing myself in the prayers, and making sure that all of the other things (like time, inclusion of all prayers, and making sure everyone was comfortable and involved) were taken care of. From that perspective, I'd like to remind others that if you decide to use this type of prayer, take turns in taking the leadership role, so that everyone can experience 'losing themselves' in the prayers.

I will be posting additional music here as I get the chance. Check back from time to time, and if I don't get something posted that you would like to see, drop me an email. Email addresses are on the Synod School roster.

Lamba

This is a festive song that works well with a smaller variety of instruments. I have it here being played by djembes, dun-dun (bass drum) and bells.

1. A good way to start it is:
Dun-dun establish a beat.
Add bells for a couple of measures
Add top djembe part
Add bottom djembe part
Add improvised solos

2. Another good way to perform it is:
Start with the signal,
Everyone begin together at a brisk tempo (This is played at 160 beats per minute.)
At some point, the bells begin to get faster, up to 220 bpm
Before you get too fast, finish off with another playing of the signal.