Playing in a big band is one of the most complex and nuanced jobs that a drummer faces. Garey Williams' new book Drummer's Guide to Big Band sets out a highly-organized game plan for tackling the demands of the big band drum chair. In addition to a thorough explanation of charts, grooves, song forms, set-ups, and other figures, the book includes a multimedia disc with both video and audio examples. I look forward to using this book with my own students!
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Garey Williams brings deep expertise in drumset pedagogy and big band performance to this comprehensive guide. His work emphasizes the practical demands drummers face in authentic ensemble settings, grounded in real experience navigating the complexities of the big band chair.
Why we love this
This book cuts straight to what drummers actually need to know: how to read big band charts fluently, lock in with the rhythm section, and command the band's timekeeping. Williams structures the material progressively, so students move from foundational concepts to sophisticated interpretive choices. The inclusion of video and audio examples means your students can see and hear the principles in action rather than working from notation alone.
What to expect
Learning from this guide feels like having a seasoned big band drummer in the room, breaking down the decisions that separate competent timekeeping from commanding, responsive drumming. The multimedia approach keeps you engaged and grounded in real sound, not just abstract notation.
Who it's for
This book targets drummers in high school jazz ensembles and college big bands who have moved past basic swing mechanics and are ready to tackle the full technical and stylistic palette of the drum chair. It works equally well for semi-pro and gigging drummers refining their big band vocabulary.
How to get the most out of it
Study the video examples alongside written charts to connect visual technique with the sounds you're hearing.
Break down the grooves by section before integrating them into full charts; isolating kick drum patterns, snare responses, and hi-hat articulation prevents sloppy coordination.
Transcribe fills and set-ups from the audio examples to build fluency with the idiomatic vocabulary of big band drumming.
Use the recorded accompaniments to practice chart reading at tempo, treating the playback as your band's horn section would drive the time.
How to use it
Assign chapters progressively through the year as your big band tackles increasingly sophisticated arrangements. The book's organization lets you work through one concept (say, chart interpretation or set-ups) while your ensemble is learning repertoire that demonstrates that skill.
Skills your students will build
Reading and interpreting lead sheets and big band drum charts
Swing eighth-note articulation and ride cymbal comping patterns
Kick drum independence and responsiveness to bass player and horn section
Typical big band grooves, song forms, and rhythmic figures
Setting up chart sections and executing fills with stylistic authenticity
Listening skills for locking with rhythm section and responding to band dynamics
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