BAND

Guidelines

1. Playing in a worship band is more complex than playing in a secular band. Our focus is first to offer a sacrifice of worship to God. What happens spiritually with us on Sunday morning is usually the product of what we have done spiritually during the week.
2. Our role in serving the congregation expresses itself in considering where the worship leader is going and enabling them to most effectively lead the congregation. We need to know our instrument and the songs well enough so that we are not divided in our attention. We need to avoid being distracted by the congregation or our own worship experience as this may keep us from following the direction of the worship leader.
3. In a band, there are 3 basic musical functions – melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic. It is important to understand this so that each musician can fit in effectively. Some instruments serve primarily one function; others can serve more than one.A basic breakdown of worship band roles:
   • worship leader/singers provide the melody
   • bass provides the harmonic foundation (bass notes)
   • piano/acoustic guitar fleshes out the harmony
   • drums provide the rhythm
   • electric guitar, organ, saxophone, and percussion serve specialized, and therefore more specific and limited, roles
   • The worship leader, piano, bass and drums carry most of the melody, harmony, and rhythm and form the “core” of the band.
   • Piano or acoustic guitar are often used by the worship leader and when this is the case they are the “lead” instrument setting tempos, leading during transitions and free/open worship.
   • If the worship leader is not playing an instrument, there needs to be a designated “go to” person to do transitions, start songs, etc. Know who this person is and defer to them.
   • It should be very rare that all band members play through an entire song.

   Because keyboard and guitar instruments are able to play melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic roles, extra sensitivity is needed (esp. on the part of the specialized instruments) so that one instrument doesn’t overdo something a core instrument is already doing or get in the way of the core instruments. For example, if the piano, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and organ all play chords at the same time and in a similar fashion, it can get too busy and thick. Also, if an instrument plays too many melodic fills, it can disturb the singers, etc.

   In a worship team band, every instrument, core or specialized, serves a support role. We are there to support the worship leader, the choir, and ultimately the congregation. At times, certain instruments may be featured, but this is a secondary and non-essential element. A successful band needs every instrument to work well within the boundaries of its musical role under the direction of the worship leader and bandleader. When one instrument oversteps or abuses its role, the entire band, choir, and worship will suffer. Every instrument is important and how much one plays during a song or during a worship set is not an indication of one’s importance to the team.

4. Volume is also an important consideration. You should play loud enough to hear yourself in the context of the band (not as well as if you were playing alone). If you cannot hear yourself do not turn up – ask those around you to turn down.
5. The worship leader is essentially the band LEADER, and part of what a band leader does is communicate when one should or shouldn’t play, etc. , please do not see this a reflection on your ability or importance in the team but rather a greater respect for your contribution.
6. Group-building activities:
   • Listen to music together, or have listening assignments. Discuss observations on how the instruments work together, what one likes, dislikes, notices, etc.
   • Listen to different styles of music
   • Attend concerts as a group to see how other bands/musicians work together.
   • Attend other church worship services (i.e. Redeemer evening services)
   • Listening to recordings of the songs the worship team is doing is very helpful and recommended to get the “sound” into one’s ears.

Interested in joining the band, contact worship@newlifefellowship.org.