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Drum roll please!


Today, the music ministry team guided by Pastor Raley is introducing a new instrument, replacing the electronic drum set with an acoustic set.

For nearly 15 years, the church had been using the electric set, which offered some advantages but became difficult to maintain. They were equipped with sensors to mimic drum sounds, often breaking mid-service, causing frustration for both the drummer and tech team.

Acoustic drums offer a natural and dynamic sound that is very hard to replicate electronically. Drummers desire to play their instrument by adding expression to the overall sound.

Dan Larson and Eric Needs are seasoned drummers and have many years of experience playing in bands. They worked together to select the new set. The drum shells are made of seven-ply asian maple, a wood known for its tonal qualities. Maple (often used in guitars) provides an exceptional musical tone, allowing the drummer to be more expressive. The cymbals were chosen for their superior tone as well.

Acoustic drums can be louder. So Eric skillfully built a plexiglass shield to help dampen the sound. I sanded the wood frame and stained it to coordinate with the beautiful color of the drums. Dan and Eric invested many hours setting up and tuning the drums, as well as building the shield and setting it up.

Jim Smith and Dylan Raley have also spent a lot of time considering how the soundboard will be able to pick up the drums and cymbals for BG’s livestream. They have carefully configured a new microphone kit.

The new drums will bring a level of energy and excitement to our worship services, and help create an engaging atmosphere, where we will feel the Holy Spirit work and flow among us.

As Dan says, “My prayer is that our use of these new drums will glorify God above all else as we strive to be good stewards of our musical and technological resources. I hope that this new setup will serve our Church body through the enhancement of the atmosphere in which we worship the Lord.”