Why are drum-kits put on risers on stage?
At a concert last night my wife asked me ‘why are rock band drum-kits often set up on a platform above all the other musicians?’
I speculated it may be about the drummer being able to see the rest of the band better, or vice versa, but I don’t know. The kit was fully mic-ed so it can’t be an acoustics reason, and it was the headline band in a concert hall so it wasn’t a festival situation where kit is set up offstage then rolled on.
Any pointers or explanations?
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One scenario where it is also very helpful is during festivals. Setting up a drum kit, such that it feels comfortable for the drummer and just "like at home" can take some time.
Often they set up the drumkit backstage on a small stage that is moveable. As soon as the performing band is finished the drumkits can be changed on the stage and doesn't need to be rearranged.
I think you'll find that this is not limited to rock bands. Any time there are seated musicians in more than one row, it is quite likely that the rows in the back will be elevated. This certainly helps with visibility in both directions (so the trombones can't claim they don't see the conductor ) and to some extent also helps with sound projection.
You'll see risers used for many choral groups for the same basic reasons.
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