Los Medanos College’s jazz band has been rehearsing without a drummer for the current semester.

Jazz Band Director Kyle Chuah said that the lack of a drummer has made it difficult for the band to play.

“The drummer tends to be the main rhythm section person that pulls the entire band in sync with one another,” Chuah said.

Music Laboratory Coordinator Aaron Nakaji also emphasized how crucial a drummer is, saying “the rhythm section controls the tempo and injects so much acoustic energy into a performance.”

The lack of a drummer is not usually a problem that the bands experience each semester.

“It is unusual to have the drum seat empty, and in most semesters we have multiple drummers and percussionists,” Nakaji said. “Other parts being unfilled by the available personnel is more common, less apparent and easier to cover for by changing the instrumentation or arranging the music.”

Recording Arts Student Worker Ricky Montejo who manages sound for the jazz band, has found a way to accommodate the issue by putting together drum tracks for the band to play along to.

“While it is not the same as having a live drummer, it is definitely a workable solution in the meantime,” Chuah said.

Although no one is permanently occupying the drum kit at the moment, Chuah explained this will not get in the way of the band performing at their concert which is usually held at the end of every semester as he suspects they will find a solution.

“We are now strategizing what our best options are under the circumstances,” Chuah said. “Hopefully, it will be a live drummer. If not, we will try to program a drum track.”

Nakaji said that former jazz drummer and recording arts student Eduardo Rosales-Rodriguez may potentially fill the role.

“He has found time to sit in, and if he can participate in enough rehearsals we’ll be in good shape.”

Nakaji said there are strategies in place to recruit players for future semesters adding, “This semester, LMC Music is creating opportunities for our community to visit our college and learn about the music program.”

The jazz band rehearses every Wednesday from 3:20 to 6:30 p.m. If you’d like to find more information on joining the band, or have any questions regarding the Music Department, you can contact Nakaji at [email protected].