leading . It can be tricky because you obviously want to do everything with excellence , but you don ’ t want the approval of people to be your motivation . When you find that happy balance between your heart and your head , it becomes a beautiful place of connection . In singing on a worship team as a background vocalist , you can relax a bit more and stay in a worshipful mode . It can be that place of getting lost in worship , because you don ’ t feel the pressure of the spotlight .
[ WM ] What is your strategy for arranging the vocal parts when two ( or more ) BGV ’ s are on the worship platform ?
[ Michael ] I am a harmony guy . I am always looking for a great blend . Part of my responsibility at Lakewood Church involves distributing the parts to the worship leaders and choir . In general , those leading worship have a great sense of how harmony works , and I can ask them to sing a specific vocal part . There are times , however , when there are those on the team that need a bit more help finding the harmonies . I will very often have them default to a simplified version of the part that easily goes along with the other harmonies represented , but that help that singer have confidence that they can easily reproduce it for our services .
[ WM ] You also work with the choir at your church . What kind of choir is it and how often do they sing ?
[ Michael ] I love the Lakewood Choir ! These people are the best ! They come weekly for rehearsal and put their whole heart into it . They learn the parts and do their best . Having said that , we are what I would consider to be a “ congregational ” choir rather than a performance choir . We do an audition that basically tells us what their vocal part is , but we rarely turn anyone away unless they lack basic understanding of pitch . I teach by rote , giving out the parts one by one to the vocal parts , starting by teaching the melody to everyone . Then , beginning with tenors and contraltos ( female tenors ), then altos , then sopranos as I move through the individual parts . The choir participates in every weekend service and often participates in nights of Worship and holiday celebrations .
[ WM ] How do you cultivate a healthy relationship with your audio tech teams ?
[ Michael ] I believe that developing a culture that honors everyone ’ s contribution benefits all involved . Our Audio team is very conscientious of the needs of the band and singers , and they work very hard to “ dial in ” mixes that everyone can live with . They also work to resolve issues with equipment and are the hardest working people at every service . I honestly can ’ t express how greatly we value them .
[ WM ] It sounds like you wear many hats there . What are your other roles and responsibilities ?
[ Michael ] I was hired in 2006 as the choir director . From there , we added studio responsibilities to overdub any prerecorded material . My wife and I also pastor the choir and music team . About seven years ago , I took on the responsibility of being the vocal director as well . That basically means that I ’ m at all the rehearsals helping to divvy up the parts to the worship leaders and help resolve any last minute vocal arrangements . I also work in the studio with Lakewood Music , helping them record background vocals as well as helping from time to time with vocal production from the standpoint of helping vocalist record their best performance .
[ WM ] Do you do any session vocals too ? Tell us about that side of your vocal life .
[ Michael ] My life before Lakewood was primarily in the studio , so any chance I get to record is a great day ! The studio environment is my musical “ Happy Place ”. I love the energy
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