The drummer of Hoogeveen departs from one of the churches in the centre for the announcement of a special church service and returns there too. He passes two different Reformed Churches and the Remonstrant Church. He announces services in this way about forty times a year. The drummer drums a simple rhythm on a classical brass drum. At departure the drummer gives a drum solo. On the way he stops at some points where the sound can easily flow away or where there is a church. The drummer himself does not call out a word. The sound of the drum signifies an auditory greeting for the residents of Hoogeveen and a clear signal that the services will begin soon. The drummer does nog wear a uniform, but neat, contemporary clothes. The drummer does not only announce church services. During special events and fairs he walks through the most important streets of the centre of Hoogeveen, drumming, to notify everyone of cultural activities. At crowded spots he halts, stops drumming and calls out a message in the form of a poem. The drummer is then dressed in a seventeenth- or nineteenth-century costume. Usually only one drummer performs, but for big events three to five drummers may be active.
