Writing drum charts - help!

[MeBHank]

Hi all, a very different one from me this time...

I have to compile some charts for upcoming performances with resident house bands. It probably isn't going to be too difficult for me to transcribe the bass guitar parts (mainly by dissecting MIDI files), but seeing as I have no real grasp of how to read written music, let alone drum music, the drum charts are going to be a nightmare. Are there any drummers out there who can read and write sheet music for drums who might be willing to help me?

Thanks, hopefully, in advance...

[tolo]

Hey Justin - I don't know which DAW you use - but this is useful tool to create a score from MIDI. There is a simpler, free version that you might be able to use - but there is also a free trial of the full version that you could probably use for your project and then unsubscribe...

https://www.avid.com/sibelius

This might also be of interest - see attached.

Best,

Tony

[martcaster]

Hi! Justin/Tony. At the risk of being controversial here, and (even worse) muddying the waters, can I respectfully suggest that the PAS standard notation is not what most drummers actually use. I'm a reader myself, and have never come across that particular standard (though I recognise and acknowledge its 'pedigree') Any/all charts I've ever encountered follow the notation in the attached piccie. Whilst Tony's suggestion of transcribing from MIDI into Sibelius is wholly admirable, and a very practical answer to this query (every respect, Tony) my concern would be that gigging drummers wouldn't necessarily recognise that notation (though the two are not vastly different).
This question has arisen before ( http://shadowmusic.bdme.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=8307 ) from Robson Field. If its standard Shads' hits you're after I wouild recommend tracking a copy of The Shadows Off The Record which has all parts transcribed in standard notation.
I hope Tony doesn't take offence at my interference; I merely wish to avoid the dreaded situation...."Sorry, mate. Can't read this."
Should you require any further help, please don't hesitate to ask.
Mart
Sorry! the piccie I d/loaded is too big; so, here's the URL.... https://www.schoolofrock.com/resources/ ... -beginners

[tolo]

Hey Martin - please don’t worry - no controversy at all! I don’t read music at all and only thought I would mention Sibelius as a possible solution because I use it often in ProTools as a useful way to generate scores for my own work - from midi files exported directly out of PT. I noticed that there was a drum mapping capability - but am completely in the dark as to however practical it is in the real world for percussion. It works great for complex string, brass and piano arrangements... There might be other software solutions out there too that will assist Justin. Not sure.

Best,

Tony

[JimN]

Justin,

Even if you don't read music, you must by now have grasped the basics of time signatures, key signatures and what the notes look like on the page.

Of so, you probably already have the bulk of the knowledge you need. Writing out drum parts in notation is easy. It's among the easiest of instruments to notate for because you don't have to worry about pitch or keys, just the rhythm*. And many bars in a given piece of drum music are identical to the previous one, meaning that it's easy to do on a PC (if you have appropriate software).

If you applied yourself to it, you could learn what you need to in a day or two. You'd then have a skill which will last a lifetime.

[* OK, I'll allow that writing for the bass drum on its own, or the triangle, or the orchestral pair of cymbals with strap handles, is easier than writing for a kit.]