I CAN'T HEAR MYSELF!!

a familiar gripe?
from the pianist.. to they keyboardist.. to the guitarists.. to the back ups..
sometimes even the Worship Leader loves this quote..
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why does it happen?
position of instruments vs position of speakers vs condition of speakers & wires vs position of congregation..
it's a whole melange of reasons, factors, obstacles..
enough to make the PA Section cry..
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sometimes it is because you are being drowned out by everyone else turning up their volume..
and so you turn up your volume..
and they play louder and sing harder..
and so do you..
and then the roof caves in...
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how do we come to a compromise?
firstly, ask yourself: what is the role of the music & worship team (including singers, PA & LCD)
>> it is to create a conducive environment for the congregation to worship God.. to be examples to the congregation on how worship should be..
secondly, ask yourself what is your role in the team?
>> to sing - lead accurately/support the leader & to provide the melody.. to accompany with the harmony and fill in the gaps.. to provide the beat/timing/speed..
>> to gel the contributions of the singers/musicians together at appropriate volumes..
>> to assist the congregation to sing the correct words and express their adoration for God..
thirdly, be aware of what you are playing as compared to what other teammates are playing..
>> if the piano is played like the bass or drum, the team will sound like it has 2 drums or 2 bass guitars.. keep it simple, accurate and appropriate.. it is much better than complicated, inaccurate and distracting..
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what can i do as an individual musician?
>> practice the songs on your own until you are confident.. so that during the times you play in a team, you can be certain that you are playing accurately..
>> listen to Worship CDs that mimic the style & tone & needs of the congregation.. if the congregation grew up listening to Integrity Music (Don Moen/ Ron Kenoly's piano & strings driven music).. they might not appreciate Hillsongs Youth/ DC Talk (overdriven guitar & drums).. although there is a time and place to learn to appreciate, it is definitely not in the middle of a Sunday Worship Service..
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what can we do as a team?
>> the worship leader is responsible to lead the team.. to decide (where appropriate) which instrument takes centerstage.. the tone and build up/slow down of the songs and worship service..
>> listen, listen, listen.. to other instrument players... everyone has a style of playing/singing.. try to compliment it, rather than change the style by yourself..
>> be sensitive to the congregation.. the reaction of the congregation can tell a lot about the appropriateness of the song's volume/speed.. pained expressions and silent bystanders are very obvious red flags..
>> worship leaders are encouraged to sing the main melody.. leave the countermelody to the back-up singers.. if you can not hit the high note at the end of a climatic song, don't.. it is not very nice to end a good song with an off key screech..
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when all's said & done:

1. be prepared at home/by yourself: know the song through & through before introducing it..
2. play your role/part in the team..
3. complement the team.. not contradict it..
4. come prepared for practice..
5. during practice & worship service: watch, listen & be sensitive..