Many drummers who aren’t exceptional readers can still sight-read arrangements with a fair amount of ease and authority. Their secret—if there is one—could be that they recognize their own limitations and understand which ensemble figures may be omitted without impacting the overall sound of the band or arrangement. Inexperienced drummers often try to play everything that’s notated, regardless of their reading ability. This can lead to disaster for a band.
Education
Essential Sight-Reading
Playing Charts at First Glance