Thank God for volunteers--the church would not function without them! The privilege to serve God is an honor for both themselves and the church. Some volunteer positions in the church require more expertise than others, and playing in the worship band is no exception.
Every worship team is looking for Jeff Beck or Eddie Van Halen to walk in and say, "Here I am, people, put me to work!" Since that probably won't happen, we are challenged to select and train musicians out of the talent pool within our church community. Each church has the opportunity to create a strong group of worship musicians if--taking in consideration finances, leadership ability and talent--they are willing to consider some real-life, time-tested suggestions:
1. Create a list of musical and spiritual standards that are required to be a member of the team. Stress salvation, commitment, good stewardship and preparedness as fundamental requirements for membership.
2. Encourage continued musical and spiritual growth.
3. Emphasize each member must play one instrument well, not a lot of things mediocre.
4. Create an environment of excellence by first being a prepared leader and offering the players an opportunity to ready themselves for each rehearsal and performance.
5. Supply (as finances warrant) professional-quality "back-line" support for musicians by offering a good set of drums, amps, keyboards and monitors for the band. Eliminating the lugging of heavy items in and out of rehearsal can streamline setup and shorten rehearsal time. Each musician must supply their own instruments (except for the aforementioned large items) and accessories like sticks, picks, cords, etc.
6. Create a professional environment by using music charts with rhythms, melody, words and a good road map (chords over word-type charts are limiting). This process requires a learning curve but pays off handsomely as the music library grows and members learn to sight-read. Obviously, this requires someone to prepare the charts, and some small churches are limited in this ability and/or expense. Take the first step and learn to use notation software like Finale and Sibelius (Finale offers graduated notation programs for different needs and applications).
7. Depending on the church's musical style, solo instruments like a sax, violin, flute or horn can be welcomed. There should be definite direction given as to where and when they play. Encourage the soloists to also play percussion or auxiliary keyboards, for instance, to bring variety. In the case of a horn or string section, a predetermined musical arrangement is imperative.
8. Hold regular auditions. Offer a sign-up list after services. Assign someone to contact and audition applicants. Start with a phone interview--much of the elimination process can be accomplished then (Do you read music? Do you play lead guitar and/or rhythm? Are you available for rehearsals and services, etc?). It is helpful for two people to judge auditions so both can take responsibility for the the final decision. When a player shows promise but is not ready to "fly alone," let them shadow another player for a few weeks to learn the ropes.
9. Excellence, success and professionalism will encourage those with like attitude to want to be a part of your team. It takes years to build a quality team. Even still, I would rather have people on my team with a strong heart for Jesus and an average grasp of their instrument than a prima donna with an ego the size of Texas!
10. Start the training process for future players while they are in the youth group. Encourage private lessons. Create a music training co-op in your church by selecting teachers and assigning a group of students to take weekly lessons for 6-week, alternating terms (guitar, drums, bass, keys, vocals, tech, etc.). Create a couple of bands out of this process to play for the student ministry and begin to graduate capable players into the adult program as they show promise.
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