About seven months ago, I started showing up to church a couple hours early and helping with sound. I have learned so much these last few months. A lot of what I have learned, of course, has been the technical practice of dealing with sound equipment, mixing a full band, etc. but I have learned a lot more than that. So, that's what I want to share with you today. These are some of the most important things I have picked up from my time helping with sound at Bridgeway Church. (In a list form naturally)
1. Come in with a heart of service. Usually my lists are not in any specific order, but I would say that this is the most important thing I have learned so far. Part of your job as a sound engineer is to make the musicians feel comfortable. You are serving them. When the musicians feel good about the mix and can hear everything they need to, they are able to play/sing better. I would say that this is especially important in the context of worship music because when the musician doesn't have to worry about playing/singing they can focus their hearts better on God. I believe that this simple act of coming in with a heart of service carries over to any genre or setting though. Be kind, serve others.
2. Mix for the whole room, not just the sound booth. This means simply to make sure that the mix sounds good and fairly even throughout the entire room, not just the back center (where the sound booth normally sits). This provides a better listening environment for the audience. I think this also goes back to serving. You serve the audience best when the mix is good/even where ever someone may be sitting. It truly makes a difference in how everyone experiences music.
3. Keep the stage clean. This one is kind of a basic thing and you might think it is obvious, but not everyone does this. Keeping the stage clean as a sound engineer means keeping the chords coiled and out of the way. It means setting up your stage in such a way that the musicians all have enough room. It is a simple little thing, but it makes a difference to everyone on stage.
4. Lastly, don't be afraid to ask questions. As an audio engineering student, I do not even know close to everything. Just remember that if you don't know/understand something, ask someone who does. That is the best way to learn and grow in your craft. In the same way, if someone asks you a question, be gracious in your response.
1. Come in with a heart of service. Usually my lists are not in any specific order, but I would say that this is the most important thing I have learned so far. Part of your job as a sound engineer is to make the musicians feel comfortable. You are serving them. When the musicians feel good about the mix and can hear everything they need to, they are able to play/sing better. I would say that this is especially important in the context of worship music because when the musician doesn't have to worry about playing/singing they can focus their hearts better on God. I believe that this simple act of coming in with a heart of service carries over to any genre or setting though. Be kind, serve others.
2. Mix for the whole room, not just the sound booth. This means simply to make sure that the mix sounds good and fairly even throughout the entire room, not just the back center (where the sound booth normally sits). This provides a better listening environment for the audience. I think this also goes back to serving. You serve the audience best when the mix is good/even where ever someone may be sitting. It truly makes a difference in how everyone experiences music.
3. Keep the stage clean. This one is kind of a basic thing and you might think it is obvious, but not everyone does this. Keeping the stage clean as a sound engineer means keeping the chords coiled and out of the way. It means setting up your stage in such a way that the musicians all have enough room. It is a simple little thing, but it makes a difference to everyone on stage.
4. Lastly, don't be afraid to ask questions. As an audio engineering student, I do not even know close to everything. Just remember that if you don't know/understand something, ask someone who does. That is the best way to learn and grow in your craft. In the same way, if someone asks you a question, be gracious in your response.
Update on the 52 Project:
Too Sentimental (Guitar)
Gray Sunrise (Darling, You be You) (Ukulele)
COVER- Stubborn Love - The Lumineers (Mandolin)
No More Coming Home (Guitar)
This month, the most challenging song for me wasn't one that I wrote, it was actually learning my cover. I have never played the mandolin before (aside from the one song I wrote on it a few weeks ago). So, jumping into learning a song was pretty huge challenge. I considered switching to the guitar half way through the week, but I decided to stick with the mandolin until the end. I'm really glad I did!
Too Sentimental (Guitar)
Gray Sunrise (Darling, You be You) (Ukulele)
COVER- Stubborn Love - The Lumineers (Mandolin)
No More Coming Home (Guitar)
This month, the most challenging song for me wasn't one that I wrote, it was actually learning my cover. I have never played the mandolin before (aside from the one song I wrote on it a few weeks ago). So, jumping into learning a song was pretty huge challenge. I considered switching to the guitar half way through the week, but I decided to stick with the mandolin until the end. I'm really glad I did!
Upcoming Events:
April 3, 2015
Michelangelo's Coffee and Wine Bar
7:00-9:00pm
207 E Main St, Norman, OK 73069
April 4, 2015
New York Pizza and Pasta
10:00-11:00pm
217 W Boyd St, Norman, OK 73069
April 3, 2015
Michelangelo's Coffee and Wine Bar
7:00-9:00pm
207 E Main St, Norman, OK 73069
April 4, 2015
New York Pizza and Pasta
10:00-11:00pm
217 W Boyd St, Norman, OK 73069