Good Form

They say good form comes with practice. Certainly, good musical form is a must for any worship band. And one important contributor is the ability for musicians to communicate with each other. Let’s face it, a concert band, orchestra or choir wouldn’t function very well if their members couldn’t see the conductor. Today, most worship leaders do not direct the worship band in the traditional sense.  But just like the traditional sense in an orchestra, eye contact is required.  Perhaps one of the most important dynamics worship leaders have influence over (affecting eye contact) is the physical placement of instruments. Can the musicians see the worship leader’s face and the other musicians as well? Now, if the drum cage is buried in some far off corner of the platform I’m not suggesting a renovation of the sanctuary. But if his / her view is blocked by a bunch of trees trying to hide the drum cage, this may create a musical communication problem. Do your best with what you have. Arrange the band so everyone can clearly see the worship leader and each other as much as possible. Case in point. Our platform (having a seating capacity of around 300) has been through several transformations over the past twenty years. At first the piano and organ were together off the platform. This was the era when worship leaders directed everyone with their hands. Worship was lead from the platform pulpit and the organ and piano were the only accompanists. As the team grew over time all other instruments surrounded them. Eventually, the platform was extended and musicians were placed up on it. However, to make the platform look symmetrical the team was split in two. This was the era when each musician had their own floor monitor... as every sound man shudders. Platform real estate can be very valuable and acoustic drums can take up a big chunk of it. So initially, acoustic drums were off the platform on the floor— closest to the congregation! It wasn’t long and it was decided the drummer needed to play with feathers or we needed electronic drums. The latter was chosen. Good call. Eventually a portion of the floor level was raised (to the side of the platform), giving the guitars much better eye contact with the worship leader. Over time it became very apparent everyone needed to see. Ah, you live and learn. Oh yes, I understand the dynamics of moving platform instruments around. Our church was started in 1927... enough said. Today, as the leader, I know I need to see those assisting me as much as they need to see me. There’s nothing like a team communicating well. That’s one less thing in the equation to go wrong.

God is good,

Tim Covert