Taking a whipping...

I just discovered that there's nowhere to hide when you have to clash cymbals, and that a side drum can be a deadly weapon in inexperienced hands. Yes, we just had the first rehearsal, and it actually went quite well (at least from the percussion point of view). The pro player was extremely good, helpful, and knowledgeable, and the other first mate was just as enthusiastic, so we had a laugh. I didn't get let loose on the whip, but triangle, cymbals, side drum, and tambourine were enough to keep me thinking, counting and not panicking... Now I just have to learn to play them quietly...