FEATURE
[ VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT: AUDIO TECH? LOOK TO A DRUMMER ]
Grant Norsworthy
Volunteer Church audio engineers are made, – than a tech-head who doesn’t like music demonstration of the importance of stereo
not found. Need one? Searching for a ready- behind the mixing console any day of the week – panning – the left to right panorama of sound.
made volunteer audio engineer will not produce especially Sunday. The sound that’s entering the drummers left ear is
results. Experienced, capable audio techs sitting
different from the sound entering the right. Great
in the congregation wanting to volunteer their And in my many years of involvement with live audio engineers also know how to utilize panning
time and energy (for free!) are as rare as idiomatic music, it’s been my experience that drummers to great effect in live music mixing.
hen’s teeth. often
make
great
audio
engineers.
Yep!
Drummers. And I’m not a drummer! My history 4. VOLUME
So, what sorts of raw materials should we be is as a bassist and vocalist and, in recent years, Great drummers also understand the importance
searching for in a person who might be made into playing acoustic guitar. of dynamic control. Of when loud is good and
a capable audio tech? What type of person will
when it’s bad. Of how to choose the right volume
have the best likelihood of developing into a great My theory: The abilities and skills of a great level for each situation, song and moment. Great
sound engineer? You might feel that willingness drummer match many of the abilities and skills of drummers and great sound engineers understand
and a warm body are the only essential a great audio engineer. Here’s what I mean … well how the rise and fall in volume is key to a
prerequisites. Someone – anyone, who is willing
great musical experience.
to drop themselves behind the mixing console will 1. TECHNICAL CREATIVITY do. I get it. Great drummers have the right balance of left and 5. SPACE
right brain – of technicality and creativity. Playing Great drummers don’t feel the need to fill every
On the other end of the spectrum, I’ve seen quite drums is very much about precise mathematics, sonic gap. They know the importance of leaving
extensive lists produced by team leaders for larger subdivisions of time and tempo. But playing drums space in sound. Of how less is almost always
churches that describe all the essential qualifying is also creative, expressive and about passion more. Both great drummers and great sound
skills that any prospective audio tech volunteer and sensitivity. Like great drumming, great mixing engineers in the church service setting recognize
must possess. Invariably these include high tech, requires both tech savvy and musicality. that the congregation needs to be invited into
geek-attracting requirements like, “Knowledge
the sonic “hole” that has been left for them to
of or willingness and ability to learn digital mixing 2. FREQUENCY RANGE consoles (specifically the Superdesk XYZ- 1234), Great drummers have an innate understanding personal mixing system (ABC- 5678), computers, of the full range of frequencies in sound and the 6. MUSIC LOVER
software, outboard racks, microphones …” effect that each has on the listener. They know Musicians – and that includes drummers – don’t
and so on. Certainly, a prospective volunteer that the high frequency splashes and crashes only play music. They also listen to music. And
should be a sincere follower of Jesus and have of cymbal communicate excitement. That the they love listening! Just about everyone hears
the willingness to serve. But beyond that, the mid-frequency snap of the snare and the thud music, but there’s a deeper level of appreciation
tendency seems to be to find someone who has of toms drive a song forwards. But they also and analysis of music and sound that not everyone
an existing affinity for technology. know that the real power to move listeners is enjoys. Great drummers and great sound
found with the correct use of the low frequencies audio engineers will listen to excellent, recorded
But maybe the best audio tech volunteer is actually produced by the kick drum. There is no other examples of music – especially the genre and
in the band, showing no natural tech geekiness at single instrument or voice on the platform that style of music that they strive to emulate in the
all. Especially if you are in the enviable situation of influences the full frequency spectrum like a drum church service – and have an understanding of
being several players deep in any band position, kit. Like great drummers, great sound engineers the sonic elements that give them a great listening
consider approaching a musician to enter the also understand sound frequencies. experience … and what doesn’t.
3. PAN So maybe you don’t have a great drummer to
I believe that it’s musicians who make the best Drummers sit in a position where they are spare. But the principal still stands. A person who
audio engineers – especially for live music. I’d surrounded – left, front and right – by their has some musical, creative inclination may have
prefer to have a musical, artistic person – even instrument and the sound of their instrument. the makings for a better audio engineer than the
if they are somewhat technically challenged Playing acoustic drums gives a constant computer wiz who enjoys technology.
sing into.
training to become your new audio tech!
December 2017
WorshipMusician.com
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