Series: Tips for the Worship Band – Sound Guy (In General)

Let’s start with you, Mr. Sound Guy…

Of course a sound person could be a male or female, but I’ll just use the term “guy” because it’s usually a guy and purely for the fact that “Sound Person” doesn’t sound as cool as “Sound Guy”.

Sound Guy:

Your job is to get as hot and clean of a signal from each musician and vocalist as possible and then get it to the house speaker system all mixed together and sounding smooth, clear, and powerful. More importantly, your job is to amplify a sound of praise, and facilitate a congregation in worship. What do you mean it’s not that easy? You are correct. It’s never easy. And every single sound system, band, and sound guy has its own set of problems. You, Sound Guy, have the daunting task of dealing with musicians from all across the spectrum: the youth band guitarist who just learn to play and just got his first electric guitar for Christmas with no preamp, the “I play whenever I get a chance” guy who makes time for playing between career, taking his lovely wife out on a date and changing baby’s diapers (that’s me, by the way), and the ultra-professional who plays on only the best gear, has played shows on sound systems that would rival a U2 concert, and has worked with sound guys who have more mix talent in their pinky that you do in your whole body. Yes, it is definitely a skill-set working with a worship team. A privileged position, no doubt, if not intimidating. If you’re patient, you’ve worked with a worship team long enough to get to know each members likes and dislikes, how to talk to each one of them to get what you need from them and not press their buttons at the same time. For the most part, you’ll find that people on the worship team are more accommodating than you think.

It’s easy to get into a place where you think you know it all and how to get the best sound. After all, that’s why you’re the sound guy. And it’s easy to blow off the buffet of advice you’ll likely get from worship team members and congregation alike, not to mention other sound guys. But not so fast! Make note in your noggin that there is a whole slew of experience on that stage between all of the musicians and vocalists. Take criticism lightly, but take it, internalize it, and truly consider whether it is a good option to consider. Of course, you will need to make informed decisions on any advice you get because you’re the one that knows how it works back there in the sound booth. But just like it’s your job to make it all sound good, it’s also your responsibility to treat team members with respect, as well as anyone who gives solicited or unsolicited advice.