I arrived at Loddon Hall bright and early on Saturday 10th October 2026 and met other Sax Bandits members taking part in the ‘Beat It’ rhythm workshop with Paul Glover.
What is rhythm?
As participants arrived we had time to discuss our musical experience and what brought us to the workshop… basically, we were in agreement that we needed help with our rhythm and timing! Paul Glover started the session by getting us to think “What is rhythm?”. Suggestions included not only musical rhythm, but pulse and circadian rhythm (that was a good one)!
We then went on to look at rhythmic subdivisions and practised beating out crotchets, quavers, semi-quavers, and then beating them out as a group, this is where it got a bit tricky! We used African drums, this was great fun trying rhythms on a different instrument. Using call and response, Paul would play a rhythm which the group then mirrored and managed to keep in time… mostly!
What is timing?
We also discussed who sets the tempo or who is responsible for the timing in a band situation? Not the drummer… we all are responsible! As part of a group of musicians we can all influence the music by changing the tempo up or down. Sitting on or just behind the beat can be effective, creating a more laid back groove and make the music flow better. Whereas pushing ahead of the beat can feel wrong or cause added tension to the music (I think I am good at that, causing tension!). We learnt that even drummers need to relax their timing in order to play ‘in the pocket’ and essentially get into their groove.
We also looked at time flow and all that is involved in keeping time, eg. coordination, understanding musical concept, sound balance, relaxation, interpreting charts. Basically, the takeaway message was…
Playing music in time is 85% listening and 15% technique
Counting Rhythm
Syncopated rhythms were next, we looked at “Page 33” which is a table of syncopated rhythms, down beats and off beats. We discussed how to count the rhythm, e.g. “1-and-2-and-3-and-4-and” and how this method can keep us in time on/off the beat.
We ended the session by forming a Samba band! We were all given a percussion instrument to be responsible for; Tamborim, agogo bells, maracas, and drums. I got a big drum and had the job of beating the 1st and 3rd beat of the bar. I’m pleased to say I managed to keep time and the group sounded great!
Finally, a good note (or beat) to finish on; enjoy performing and playing your music, it will sound great, better, and fantastic. And obviously, practice is the key to success!
A great day was had by all and I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and learnt some great tips for understanding rhythm and keeping in time.
I throughly enjoyed the workshop too.
I’m still tapping out rhythms on my knees and like Paul said the more you practice the easier it gets