In some blog I got to somehow the timpanist of a major orchestra spoke of his responsibility as “leading from the back”
Having played in orchestras I would never dare say the percussion “leads from the back”. The conductor leads. Even in Big Band work the percussion does not lead, he (she) is part of the ensemble - - part of a group that is lead. In Big Band work the leader is often not the drummer. It’s the leader, or conductor, who decides the timing and tenor of the musical piece to be played. The drummer (or percussionist) never “leads from the back” (unless he’s Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa or Ginger Baker).
Tell the conductor you are “leading from the back” and you will be “leaving out the back” (door).
