Practice, we "real" musicians like to think of ourselves teh most important aspect of a band but we are not. It is the percussionist who is in charge...that is, if you are good. THat's why you can't skip a beat...at least not to where it is detectable. You are driving the band if you skip a beat, it makes us nervous...h*ll yeah it does. But believe this "we need you". Ignore the snobs they are not going away and they just might someday be your boss.
In the meantime hit the open mics and meet musicians. see if there is anyone to network with, and I will wager there will be a few.

Make it your mission to get with them. If you can't find anyone to "hang" with pull out your records and play with them.Jam with those even if when you do have "humans" to jam with. Get some minus one CDs and play with them.

Work hard and you'll get in. Now get to perididling.