Sean wrote
PeteM wrote
Sean wrote
PeteM wrote
I got the feeling that this was a case of self-indulgence on the part of the musicians with little thought given to the audience's sensibilities.
To me that is often the case Pete. P&W in a church and performance bands are two completely different things. I will go to live performances and I can at times be super critical about the sound, musicianship etc. But if I visit other churches, and their team is not very skilled, BUT, if they are up there for reasons other than performing or self-indulgence ( reasons that, lets just say, are the whole point of going to a church ) well I've found I don't notice the flaws in the music at all.
My observation, which might be quite harsh, is that it is a two way thing... because the audience is tolerant the musos don't feel the need to hone their skills... and everyone wallows in mediocrity. Who is fooling who?
I don't think mediocrity should be condoned in any way. But at the end of the day, most churches make do with the gifts that those in the church have. Again, I believe it's about attitude. If those in the worship team are genuinely giving their best, and their motives are not selfish, it works. You're quite right though, often folk are doing things half-heartedly, and that is never a good thing, not in any situation.
On this forum, I unfortunately will not be able to elaborate more on why things just work a little differently in a church when the attitude of the worship team, as well as the congregation, is not based on superficial expectations ?
I am currently on a hiatus from playing guitar in a Worship Team, but have seen all of the above happening, and most often, all of it happening at once. There are going to be some prima donnas, some people who do just want to worship, and you have to deal with all of them.
PeteM, you make a good point, the prima donnas ARE up there for their own gratification.
They don't do the team any good and nor do they do the music any good. Is this any different from any other band situation? Methinks not..
Why handle it any differently from a "Band situation"? Oh yeah, the Pastor say "We have to use what we've got"
So, Sean's idea is a good one. If you don't dig the "Choir" image call them a vocal team or whatever, but a choir is the best ego leveler on the planet. It also teaches discipline, teamwork and harmony.. It will root out the prima donna element and what remains will be good.
As far as the musicians are concerned you have to be tough on them, but fair. Take ONE song and make them play it over and over again, ad nauseum until they're playing in time and in tune.. It will affect the other songs you know too..
Be diligent and show yourself to be an approved workman.. (Paraphrased)
