There is a famous quote from Duke Ellington that always cracks me up: "There is nothing to keeping a band together. You simply have to have a gimmick, and the gimmick I use is to pay them money!"
It’s a great line. But on the flip side of that coin, people often ask me why I get hired so much to play the drums.
The secret? Being a "pro" is actually incredibly simple. My "gimmick" is just as straightforward: I do exactly what the leaders of the ensemble want me to do. My name isn't on the poster outside of the theater—it's their gig, and I am there to serve them.
I was reminded of this recently when I was contracted to perform with a high-profile, long-standing group here in Philadelphia.
At the first rehearsal, the conductor started the first tune. Within just eight measures, he cut the band, looked right at me, and shouted: "You're hired, FOREVER!"
During the break, the conductor and pianist pulled me aside to explain why. They said they loved my playing because I actually listen to the ensemble, support the singers, and maintain great volume control—something they hadn't experienced with many other drummers in the past.
While the compliments felt great, it left me thinking. Serving the music and the leader shouldn't be the exception—it should be the baseline. If a band leader is paying you money, it is your fundamental obligation to:
- Know the music before you arrive at the first rehearsal.
- Be courteous and professional in all communications leading up to the gig.
- Arrive early and fully prepared with everything you need.
- Do the job: play in time, play with passion, play in tune, and play at the requested volumes.
Think about it like hiring a house painter. If you pay someone to paint your living room blue, you expect them to: get the exact correct color, communicate courteously, show up on time, and paint the wall blue. You wouldn't expect them to show up late, act rude, and paint it red just because they "felt like it."
If you call yourself a "pro" but can't cover those four basics, you aren't actually a professional. Showing up prepared isn't extra credit—it’s the job description.