Drums are the most powerful instrument on stage. They can steer the entire dynamic of the band based on how they are played.

Our style is more simple than complicated and more authoritative than technically impressive. Fills should be placed intentionally to best serve the sound of the entire band. Groove and rhythm should be 90% of playing, while fills only taking up 10% of playing. 

What we play complements the other instruments in the band. We are aware of where the song is going so we can lead into each section of the song to ensure we do not run out of dynamic range too soon. 

We also must consider volume while we are playing. Max intensity on the shells should be around 90% while cymbals should be closer to 60%. This ensures that the best mix can be crafted at appropriate volumes for our context. 

Specific competencies for drummers:

• Play in the pocket - play consistent with the click while retaining natural feel and not feeling robotic

• Play confidently and strong while still controlling volume

Bass is the foundation that our music is built upon.

As bass players, our job is to lay a foundation for the song. We are not flashy players. We can play fills when needed, but we know how and where to place them. We creatively add substitutions but are careful not to overuse them. We match to the drummer, ensuring the groove is locked in.

As the foundation, our tone should be full but not muddy, present but not in the way. We add intensity primarily by intentionally voicing our notes in different octaves and driving various subdivisions. Secondarily, we add intensity by using effects such as distortion/octavers and by using picks. Generally, we don't add intensity by playing complicated riffs.

Specific competencies for bassists:

• A basic understanding of the Nashville Number System

• Ability to transpose on-the-spot (if needed)

• Ability to rhythmically sync with a drummer

• Ability to play with both a pick and fingers

• Solid and stable intonation 

Keys create atmosphere, fill sonic space, help guide flow-moments, and make transitions happen throughout a set and service.

We play simply as opposed to busy or cluttered. We lean toward playing in the lower registers to make room for vocals and guitars, and we do so with tasteful chord voicings that sound full. We generally have a mellow pad layered beneath what we use to create atmosphere and texture.

With several octaves at our disposal, we are the most prone to stepping on other band members' toes, so we must be the best at listening. We are always aware of what the electric guitar is playing so we can complement each other rather than step on one another.

It is our responsibility to anticipate and ensure transitions happen smoothly. Whether moving between songs or shifting from the sermon to ministry time, we are the bridge that connects the two parts. We are also responsible for helping guide flow-moments. We never stop playing until the worship leader is ready to move on. We create a bed of sound that creatively inspires flow moments. 

Specific competencies for keys players:

• A basic understanding of the Nashville Number System

• Ability to transpose on-the-spot (if needed)

• Can play chord inversions

• Willingness to learn how to utilize synth pads

• Make smooth transitions between songs and other service segments

Electric Guitar provides melody, rhythm, and atmosphere to the mix.

We can play lead lines but can also create atmosphere or play simple chords when it is what is needed to serve the overall sound. We can interpret the different parts in a recording and blend lead and rhythm intentionally when there is only one EG on the platform. When there are two EGs, we can follow reference material and listen carefully to each other to best fill the sonic space. 

We can improvise when needed, but do so tastefully. We rarely “solo,” we know how to serve the entire sound of the band. We help provide an atmosphere in flow moments that gives the Worship Leader a strong bed of sound to lead a moment but is not distracting. We are always aware of what the keys players are playing so we can complement each other rather than step on one another.

Specific competencies for electric guitar players:

• A basic understanding of the Nashville Number System

• Ability to transpose on-the-spot (if needed)

• Knowledge of basic chord shapes and how to move them up and down the neck

• Solid and stable intonation 

• Basic understanding of utilizing reverb, delay, overdrive, and other effects to craft good tone that complements the entire mix

Acoustic guitars add rhythm and texture to worship music.

Unless we're playing in a very small band, our guitars are rarely the featured instrument. We play simply — realizing when it’s important to drive a song rhythmically and when to hold back and let other instruments be the driving force.

We can play various syncopated strumming patterns, but we recognize that the music often calls for us to simply driving an 1 ⁄ 8th note or 1/16th note syncopation. We use the rhythm and tone of our instrument to help create the groove and feel of our music. We know when a moment needs a strong syncopation versus a delicate finger-picking.

Specific competencies for acoustic guitar players:

• A basic understanding of the Nashville Number System

• Ability to transpose on-the-spot (if needed)

• Ability to utilize a capo

• Knowledge of basic chord shapes and how to move them up and down the neck

• Solid and stable intonation 

We are not just backup vocalists, every member of the team is a worship leader. Background vocals help fill out the overall sound of the band and also help inspire the room to actively engage in worship.

Singing on a worship team is more than a vocal performance, but it's also more than simply worshiping on a stage. There is careful attention given to your specific parts while also leading the congregation in an authentic offering to the Lord.

Practically, during a worship set, a singer may move in and out of singing harmony and singing melody. As team players, we are always willing and capable of doing both. When providing background vocals, we blend our voices intentionally with the lead.

Specific competencies for vocalists:

• Good sense of pitch

• Ability to sing melody and harmony

• Ability to control vibrato

• Ability to blend with the lead vocalist (vowel sounds, vibrato, phrase starts/endings)

• Ability to worship freely and passionately while also maintaining one’s parts