Worship and Computers

With a click of drum sticks and a push of a button an average size sanctuary comes alive with music in a way thought impossible thirty years ago. While purests shudder, most in the congregation are completely unaware that a computer is being used and they're listening to programmed loops or midi tracks with live music. They just like what they hear. That's music in the 21st century. For us (First Assembly of God of Greater Lansing), the learning curve began five years ago after attending a worship and midi track offered by The Worship Institute conference in Dallas, Texas. Following this conference we chose to purchase a Roland XP-60 to assist with horn parts and later upgraded to an Apple G4 using the program Reason by Propellerhead. Ah, technology. It's an amazing thing. This isn't for the faint hearted. Although anyone can use the technology with some training and experimentation, it takes a fair amount of practice and a good monitor system to play and accurately hear the recorded track so everyone moves forward on cue. When you're together with the loop or track, life is good. But rush or lag behind the track and the results can be disastrous. Plenty of practice is necessary until everyone is comfortable playing in this very unforgiving rhythmic environment. With practice and time most worship teams become comfortable and eventually like the expanded musical dimension this technology provides. Mixing the track in the mains is another concern. It must be done in appropriate measure. Again, practice makes perfect. All in all, midi tracks assist us in accomplishing our musical goals. Resources are available online for this technology. Roland has a special part of their website dedicated to midi in ministry at www.Rolandus.com. When used tastefully this technology provides powerful options for worship.
-Tim Covert