WORSHIP TEAM

DRUMS ESTABLISH THE FEEL AND ENERGY OF A SONG.

We focus on “serving the song” by knowing where we’re heading as a team and being able to gradually build throughout the arc of a song. Our style is more simple than complicated, more authoritative than impressive. We prize a steady feel and pocket over complexity. The bigger we get, the simpler and more open the drums become.

COMPETENCIES WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

• Good technique that produces a full sound throughout the kit.

• Ability to play to a click in 4/4, 6/8 and 3/4.

• Ability to play a song lick for lick, maintaining the integrity and atmosphere of the original composition.

• Ability to execute simple fills that bridge sections of the song.

• Ability to listen to and play in sync with the bass player.

BASS IS THE FOUNDATION OUR MUSIC IS BUILT UPON.

The bass creates a tonal context for the band and serves as a rhythmic partner to the drummer. We are not flashy players. We lock in to the drummer and know when to stick to the root or deviate. We can play fills when needed, but know how and where to place them.

COMPETENCIES WE’RE LOOKING FOR IN BASSISTS:

• Ability to play to a click in 4/4, 6/8 and 3/4.

• Ability to learn key moments from a recording and play it lick for lick.

• Ability to rhythmically lock in with the drummer.

• An understanding of when low “power notes” are appropriate to the moment vs moving higher up on the neck.

• A basic understanding of chord numbering.

KEYS MAKE TRANSITIONS HAPPEN THROUGHOUT A SET AND SERVICE.

It is our responsibility to anticipate and ensure transitions happen smoothly. Whether moving between songs or shifting from the sermon to ministry time, we are the bridge that connects the two parts. When playing in a full band we aim for simple over cluttered or busy. Keys are rarely the standout instrument, but we can play lead lines when the music calls for it. We are always aware of what the electric guitar is playing so we complement each other (rather than step on one other). We’re also aware of how when the drums and bass drop out, how we and the acoustic guitar now share the responsibility of defining the feel of the song with our rhythmic choices.

COMPETENCIES WE’RE LOOKING FOR IN KEYBOARDISTS:

• Ability to play to a click in 4/4, 6/8 and 3/4.

• Ability to learn key moments from a recording and play it lick for lick.

• Make smooth transitions between songs and other service segments.

• Ability to play chord inversions.

• Ability to start/stop a simple tonic pad.

• A basic understanding of chord numbering.

ACOUSTIC GUITAR IS A CENTRAL INSTRUMENT TO A WORSHIP TEAM.

We play simply – realizing when it’s important to drive a song rhythmically, and when to hold back to let other instruments be the driving force. We can play various strum patterns, but recognize the music often calls for us to simply “down strum” to help create the groove and feel of our music.

COMPETENCIES WE’RE LOOKING FOR IN ACOUSTIC GUITARISTS:

• Ability to play to a click in 4/4, 6/8 and 3/4.

• Ability to learn key moments from a recording and play it lick for lick.

• Ability to play a variety of strum patterns, with a variety of feels and subdivisions.

• Ability to use a capo to transpose (and mentally transpose when discussing chords with the band).

• A basic understanding of chord numbering.

ELECTRIC GUITAR CREATES ATMOSPHERE AND TEXTURE IN WORSHIP.

Tone is hugely important. We use overdrive tastefully, delay in an understated way, reverb that’s not too heavy and have an overall clear and full sonic quality. We can play lead lines, but can also create a sonic atmosphere when we aren’t the lead. We can improvise when needed, but do so tastefully. We are always aware of what the keys players are playing so we complement each other (rather than step on one other).

COMPETENCIES WE’RE LOOKING FOR IN ELECTRIC GUITARISTS:

• Ability to play to a click in 4/4, 6/8 and 3/4.

• Ability to learn key moments from a recording and play it lick for lick.

• Ability to utilize overdrive, delay and reverb to create a variety of sounds.

• A basic understanding of the major and pentatonic scales.

• A basic understanding of chord numbering.

Note: The church has a multi-effects pedalboard you are welcome to use. If you choose to use your own gear, the minimum required elements are to have a delay, a reverb, an overdrive and a volume pedal for swells.

STRINGS ADD BEAUTY AND VIBE TO AN EXISTING MELODY.

As a string player, simplicity is the key in worship music. We play simple counterpoint to the vocal melody —the space between vocal phrases with melodic lines.

COMPETENCIES WE’RE LOOKING FOR IN STRING PLAYERS:

• Good tone quality and pitch accuracy.

• Ability to play to a click in 4/4, 6/8 and 3/4.

• A basic understanding of the major and pentatonic scales. (Ability to play arpeggios is a plus!)

• Ability to play simple melodic counterpoint.

• Ability to listen well, and flow with the band musically.

WE AREN’T JUST SINGERS —WE ARE WORSHIP LEADERS.

We serve as guides and the emotional tone-setters of the room. Singing on the frontline is just as much about countenance and leadership as it is about the voice. In any given set, a singers will move in and out of singing harmony (as a support worship leader) and leading the congregation with the melody. As team players, we are always willing and capable of doing both. Whether singing lead or harmony, we consider how we’re leading the crowd through our countenance. When singing harmony, we blend our voices to the lead, rather than having our own style. When leading songs, we do so with confidence and passion.

COMPETENCIES WE’RE LOOKING FOR IN VOCALISTS:

• Good tone quality and pitch accuracy.

• Ability to sing lead with confidence and passion.

• Ability to harmonize, blend tone, and match the timing and energy of the lead (rather than having our own sound or doing our own thing.

• Awareness of countenance and how to confidently lead the congregation with it.