Have you ever arrived at practice with singers that are very capable at improvisational harmonies, but end up criss-crossing, doubling, leaving open 5ths, or inadvertently dropping into melody? There is a tendency to assume that just because you “can” harmonize on-the-fly, that there need be no preparation for the vocalists before practice. However, preparing multiple …
Lighting 101 // Types of Fixtures
Today we will review the three most common types of lights that are used in church lighting systems, which are conventional, LED, and Moving-Head fixtures. While this initial post will give you a brief overview of each type, each of the subsequent posts will individually examine these types of fixtures in greater detail. Because each type of …
Keeping Volunteers Confident
Most of our churches rely on volunteer musicians, singers, and techs to make services run smoothly. When teams are distracted or frustrated, it has a ripple effect across the entire gathering. And lets face it, there are SO many things that can distract and frustrate us. And that’s before we even get to church! A good attitude is essential …
Creating A Safe Worship Environment
“How can I, as a leader, create a safe worship environment?” This is a significant question that draws at the heart of what it means to be a worship leader. I remember what it felt like to me when I first encountered a safe worship zone! The atmosphere in the room felt electric. The sense …
Six String Theory // The Capo
Editor’s Note: This tutorial assumes that the reader has at least a general understanding of a guitar and basic fretboard theory, including key signatures, note names and guitar-centered terminology. If you are unfamiliar with these concepts, please refer to this post for a great introductory lesson about basic fretboard theory. A capo (short for the …
Stop Trying to Impress
I know that playing music or singing can be an extremely vulnerable thing. I mean, essentially, you are putting yourself out there for others to make some kind of judgement. Will they like my playing? Does he like my voice? Do I sing better than she does? Do they like my leading better than his? Do they think I …
Worship = Power
Our churches are filled with broken people that have real hurts. Others keep coming through the doors in denial, thinking that everything is well and that they can just “phone in” their worship by showing up at church once a week, usually right before the teaching. How can we, as leaders, facilitate worship that breaks through great pain …
The Importance of Leading Students – An Interview with Nathan Del Turco
Over the weekend, I had an opportunity to reconnect with my friend and mentor, Nathan Del Turco. Nathan is the Pastor of Student Worship at Central Christian Church, which has a total of five campuses across the greater Phoenix metro in Arizona. His years of experience, knowledge and wisdom as a worship leader and Pastor …
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The Importance of Leading Students
Coming from a Christian home with a father who was a worship leader at a small church, it goes without saying that worship has always been a part of my life. I remember watching my dad lead the congregation musically, and watching him be fully engaged in the art of worship spiritually, emotionally, and physically. For …
Worship Mob // Carry The Fire
Artist: WorshipMob Album: Carry The Fire Label: Integrity Music Release: March 3, 2015 Carry The Fire is the Colorado worship collective’s first release with Integrity Music. This was the first exposure I personally had to WorshipMob despite their self produced Youtube videos which have over 9 million views (What rock have I been living under?). As an …
Bethel Music // We Will Not Be Shaken
Bethel’s new album “We Will Not Be Shaken” is another pivotal step for the ministry of Bethel and their musicians.Tasteful synth, calming strings, deep lyrical content, catchy melodies and power anthems are the banners of this new record. You can easily tell that the Bethel community of musicians put this album together in a way …
Vocals: Breathing and Breath Support
We’ve all been there. The set list for the weekend is epic. The songs are on the high side of our vocal range, and we just cannot wait to dive in and shout them out with everything we have. We’re just hoping our voice doesn’t give out before the end of the service because we have to hit those …
Worship = Peace
Be sure to check out the previous Worship = posts here! Are your Christmas preparations causing you stress? Is your body staying afloat only by a steady stream of extra caffeine that leaves you shaking by the time you try to go to bed? This season can be a really tough time for everyone in …
Worship Review // Kings Kaleidoscope // Becoming Who We Are
Artist: Kings Kaleidoscope Album: Becoming Who We Are Label: Tooth & Nail Records Released: 10/27/14 I have long been anticipating the first full length album from King’s Kaleidoscope and now it’s finally here. 17 tracks of musical and lyrical goodness and there is just way too much to choose from. Because of …
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Citizens Announce Name Change & New Album
One of my favorite worship bands just dropped some big news! Formerly known as Citizens, the band will now go by the new moniker Citizens & Saints. They will also release their Sophomore effort “Join The Triumph” on October 28, 2014. Frontman Zach Bolen has parted ways with Mars Hill Church as is no longer …