How I Prepare For A Rehearsal

This is week six of the 10-week series on how each of the Five Faders thinks about the tasks we all need to accomplish. You can read the overview here. Today, we highlight the strengths each Fader brings to preparing for great rehearsals.

Artist.

I figured out what it takes for each song to “work” and marked up my music so I can help my team. Music must make us feel something. It must communicate something. It must match the message of the lyrics. Not everyone is skilled to be able to do that fully, so I spend time listening “in tracks” and dissecting what effect each instrument has in each section. I think through the players and singers on the team and decide how I will arrange the songs to maximize what we can do musically.

Shepherd.

I prayed for my team throughout the week and have an encouraging word to share with several of them at the beginning of rehearsal. I want my team to be built up in faith as individuals so we can be a strong team. As I prepare the music, I think of ways to give them opportunities to shine that highlight their unique strengths - reading scripture, sharing an introduction, leading a section or song, praying, playing a solo, etc. 

Priest.

I worshiped through the set to be aware of where God might take us. I look at the landscape of the songs and discern what the high point of the set will likely be. I place that song or that section deliberately, building up to it. In other words, not each song feels like it carries the same weight. Of course, each person experiences it differently, but as a congregation, I anticipate a spiritual crescendo and aim to build toward it.

Educator.

I decided which musical skill the songs help us to work on and have a 5-minute discussion planned. I want to bring out the best in my team over the years, so I try to create tiny workshops each week as we rehearse. It may be as simple as asking them to agree on the dynamics for a new song by assigning each section a number from 1 to 10. Or we might talk about the effect of the swing in 6/8. Or I may have us play to a click on a song where we often struggle with steadiness in our tempo (if we don’t typically play with a click.) I use the songs we’re leading to learn and develop ourselves musically and have just a bit of foresight and planning to maximize that effect.

Producer.

I added MD (Music Director) notes to each chart five weeks ago and have practiced the songs about twelve times this week to refresh myself. I want the plan to be clear for my team so we’re together and all-in. I’ve strengthened my repetition muscle so that when I’m rehearsing or leading, the mechanics of the song are entirely subconscious, and I can focus on leading and worshiping. I try to give my team all the information they need so they can do the same.

Next week? How I prepare to lead worship!

-Dave Helmuth
(purchase my book, "Worship Fertilizer: (the first hundred)" HERE)

How I Prepare For A Rehearsal (Nº 328)