Will the same band do all services? Will you do video worship on Sat. and full band on Sun? Maybe you could do a solo acoustic/vocal on Sat. and full band on Sun. When would they rehearse? If rehearsal was on Thursday and services were on Sunday, whats the schedule with a Sat. service? Will they cancel Thursdays and rehearse on Sat. a few hours before service? If they get paid, will they be getting paid more?

It’s a lot to think about so having your plans in order will benefit everyone involved.

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• Range. You can always transpose a song if you need to but it’s easier to pick a song that fits nicely in their range. Using my guitar, I’ve found that most females sing between 3rd string G (open) and 1st string A (5th fret). So, when picking a song, make sure the vocal line is in that range.
• Style. Is their style soulful (r&b), rocker or traditional style (choir). I’d think twice about giving someone who sounds like Rebecca St. James a Joss Stone song. Or, vice versa.
• Speech. When they talk are they monotone? Do they project? Do they have a twang in their speech? Think about this, because if you’re doing “Hosanna”, you might end up hearing “Hosan-ner” instead. But, the good thing is that this kinda thing is an easy fix and shouldn’t keep you from booking someone.
• Pitch. If a singer frequently goes just a little flat on long notes, then don’t give them songs with long notes. Give them the faster songs, in which the original track has some pitchy vocals in it already. These are usually the “jump and shout” songs that everyone knows and loves.

You can really make or break a singer by the songs you choose, so please choose wisely. After months of assigning the right songs to your vocalists they will become confident enough to try songs that are out of their comfort zone and before you know it, you’ll have a singer that’s awesome. Remember, it’s up to you to Know Your Vocalists.

At first, I must admit, I was kinda lost and not too sure of how to work with these bands. Not knowing what to expect is kinda scary especially because I hadn’t met most of the members before. Now that I’ve been doing it for a few weeks, i’m loving it. I forgot how much I enjoy working with bands who are just a couple of steps from reaching their full potential. This is really getting my juices flowing and I’m honored to be working with a great set of musicians who are willing to do what it takes to get the job done.

So whats next? I will be focusing on the Island band until the grand opening on December 7, 2008. Then my focus will shift to the main campus to work on the Christmas Service, which will be HUGE! In January ’09 I will be making the rounds at all 3 satellite campuses. I will most likely be co-directing rehearsals, performing a little bit, and supporting the directors in any way needed. I will also be performing once or twice a month at the main campus so people will know that I’m still alive.

Thanks for your support. It’s a great feeling to be missed. I miss you guys too. You know, God doesn’t ask permission when He moves us. We just have to be faithful servants and follow Him when He does. Thanks again and God Bless.