[BigBen23]

For those just starting to play in a worship setting and are used to concert or jazz band and reading sheet music let me save you a lot of time and frustration.

1. Figure out how to play by ear and practice doing it.

A. Play with the radio, it will help you recognize key changes quickly by ear.​

B. Allow yourself to make Big, Bad, Nasty mistakes while you practice.​

2. If you have in ear monitors focus on the sound of the lead singer and lead rhythm instrument whether guitar or piano.

3. Remember you play for an audience of one

If others have more tips to give please do.

 

[arkinet]

You are playing to lead the congregation to His presence, not create unnecessary attention to yourself. Unless its an offertory number.

 

[Sacks Of Phones]

Know when to play and when NOT to play. You can destroy a good thing by careless diddling when you should be quiet. The worship leader should have a clue about this.

 

[BigBen23]

Know when to play and when NOT to play. You can destroy a good thing by careless diddling when you should be quiet. The worship leader should have a clue about this.

I had to pull multiple people aside in the horn section to give them a loving "talking to" in regards to playing at poor times or playing way to loudly. :|

 

[RMC78]

Learn to double on flute. It blends much better than sax and can add a nice texture to the music being played. There will be times when an exposed sax part or even a sax solo will be appropriate. Sometimes the Lead guitar parts can be doubled with sax or maybe the leader will choose to have a sax play the lead part instead of guitar. They usually will want to include you as much as possible but as already stated in this thread you really have to know when to play and when not to play.

 

[Sacks Of Phones]

I had to pull multiple people aside in the horn section to give them a loving "talking to" in regards to playing at poor times or playing way to loudly. :|

I hate to say it, but sometimes people (not just horn players) simply don't belong on a worship team or band in general. However, sometimes you "got what you got".

 

[BigBen23]

I hate to say it, but sometimes people (not just horn players) simply don't belong on a worship team or band in general. However, sometimes you "got what you got".

The Hardest thing I've ever done is remove a trumpet player from the group.

 

[Sacks Of Phones]

The Hardest thing I've ever done is remove a trumpet player from the group.

I've seen my share of "I know they can't play or sing well but their heart is right". That drove me nuts because whatever you do, you need to be capable, especially in a ministry capacity. On the other hand, I've seen good players or singers but still not supposed to be there. I don't envy the worship leader role.

 

[Dr G]

The Hardest thing I've ever done is remove a trumpet player from the group.

It may not be easy, but it should be obvious. :bluewink:

Really, tho', it is going to vary from setting to setting - not all worship groups play the same music, nor worship in the same way. I've been in places where unamplified acoustic guitar is the only welcome instrument, and others where it was a full-on rock band.

Regarding membership in the group: How do you tell someone that expresses a calling, that they are not suited to play?

 

[BigBen23]

It may not be easy, but it should be obvious. :bluewink:

Really, tho', it is going to vary from setting to setting - not all worship groups play the same music, nor worship in the same way. I've been in places where unamplified acoustic guitar is the only welcome instrument, and others where it was a full-on rock band.

Regarding membership in the group: How do you tell someone that expresses a calling, that they are not suited to play?

I've only ever had to do it once and it was a trumpet player who thought he way better than what he was. He would many times hijack the song to the point where even his buddies were asking him to stop. I had pulled him aside 3 times to talk about it and every time he said he understood but did nothing to change his playing and finally I had to ask him to take a break until he was willing to play within a group. I am not a fan of the word "calling" many times no one knows what it means and they just throw around a uber spiritual word that makes them feel warm and fuzzy. I believe If your really "called" to be part of a worship group then you need to exercise humility and grace enough to understand your role. I don't banish people and if he ever comes back and asks to be a part of the group again he can try out and go through a rehearsal with us and the group will vote on the matter after the session. (he wouldn't be there for the vote)

 

[Sacks Of Phones]

Regarding membership in the group: How do you tell someone that expresses a calling, that they are not suited to play?

A few things: ability, attitude, willingness to follow the leader. Sometimes a "calling" is actually an "I want to do this" but they should be a greeter or working in the bookstore.

 

[Dr G]

I believe If your really "called" to be part of a worship group then you need to exercise humility and grace enough to understand your role.

Thanks, Ben, for your response. What you said should apply to all musicians, regardless of whether devoted to worship or not.

Regards,

George

 

[Airflyte]

Are these actual tips or just judging who's graceful enough to be in a Worship Band?

 

[Dr G]

Are these actual tips or just judging who's graceful enough to be in a Worship Band?

What are you saying? Let everyone with a calling play in the band, and God will sort it all out later?

 

[Airflyte]

What are you saying? Let everyone with a calling play in the band, and God will sort it all out later?

No. Why are you suggesting that? Are you the leader of a Praise and Worship band?

 

[Dr G]

No. Why are you suggesting that? Are you the leader of a Praise and Worship band?

I am asking that in response to your comments about "judging who's graceful enough to be in a worship band"?

What do YOU mean? What are your metrics for participation? I've heard bands that are all over the map of talent, and have listened to reasoned arguments for all cases.

Is your experience denomination specific? FWIW, I played services with my classical quartet for my congregation.

 

[saxcop]

I lead a worship band on guitar. I seldom get to play sax. Its mostly rock style. The people that volunteer to play in church often don't give their best. I could go on and on about singers. I don't get to play sax much, because the people who say they want to be the singers really can't.

 

[Dr G]

I lead a worship band on guitar. I seldom get to play sax. Its mostly rock style. The people that volunteer to play in church often don't give their best. I could go on and on about singers. I don't get to play sax much, because the people who say they want to be the singers really can't.

I have a friend that does the same thing, and cites similar challenges.

 

[marton]

Know when to play and when NOT to play. You can destroy a good thing by careless diddling when you should be quiet. The worship leader should have a clue about this.

Agreed.

It's tough though, when the person that should take this advice is also the Pastor, but won't take said advice. I put it down to the joy of being a musician in a church band. I live in a small town, so it is definitely a case of "got what you get"

 

[BigBen23]

I am in Charge of the horn section at my church and I will let anyone try out and they can come to rehearsals at will but I will not throw them on stage until they are ready. I have had to rotate people at times in the rest of the group especially the singers. The singers in my opinion are most frustrating if they aren't willing to learn parts. Many times I'll teach them the parts by singing next to them and going over it until they have memorized their parts and if they still can't get it then I go over to the piano and play the part for them and have them sing with it. I also force the band to play stylistically correct. so Mr. lead guitar don't loose your mind and try to play metal solo on a hymn lol