Rehearsals: the lifeblood of your musical ministry.

Key Foundational Pieces

1. Preparation Starts Before Rehearsal

Effective rehearsals begin long before your team gathers. Resourcing your team with the necessary tools and information is essential for improving musicality. When I first joined my current church, I noticed musicians trying to memorize lead lines during rehearsal by listening to the reference tracks on their phones. This was a significant time-waster. Ensure your team has access to all the resources they need ahead of time, such as charts, vocal assignments, recordings, and detailed notes. This preparation allows the actual rehearsal time to be more productive and focused.

2. Aim to Leave Rehearsals Feeling Confident

Don't consider a rehearsal finished until you reach what we call the "85% mark." This means rehearsing the songs to a point where you’re confident your team can perfect the remaining 15% on their own before the service. Achieving this level of readiness ensures that your team feels good about their performance and can focus on worship rather than worrying about the technical aspects.

3. Understand Every Part

To lead effectively, you need to understand each instrument's part well enough to identify and correct issues. You should be able to communicate clearly with each musician. Instead of making vague suggestions or mimicking drum sounds, tell your drummer, "Use a four-on-the-floor pattern until the chorus, then switch to the ride and tom groove." This level of specificity helps your musicians understand exactly what you want.

4. Adjust to Your Band's Skill Level

Know the capabilities of your band members and adjust parts accordingly. It's better to play a simple part well than to struggle with a complex one. Tailoring the difficulty of the music to the skill level of your players ensures that the performance is polished and cohesive. Over time, as your band improves, you can gradually introduce more challenging parts.

5. Ensure Everyone Can Hear Each Other

A good in-ear mix is crucial for cohesive playing. If musicians can't hear each other properly, it leads to disjointed rehearsals and Sundays. Take the time to ensure that everyone's mix is balanced and that they can clearly hear their own part as well as the other instruments. This simple step can significantly enhance the overall sound and unity of your band.

By focusing on these foundational pieces, you can transform your rehearsals from mere run-throughs to powerful sessions that elevate the musical and spiritual experience of your worship gatherings. Remember, the goal is not just to play the music correctly but to create an environment where your team can lead the congregation in meaningful and impactful worship.