dependable for holding cables in place, though
MAKE EVERYONE FEEL AT HOME
drum sets. This attention to detail isn’t lost on
if you have lots of movement on stage and
the talent, and they respect you for having their
need to re-cable frequently, home improvement The space on your stage where your musicians stores carry matting or throw rugs to cover and pastor conduct services should be familiar cabling and further reduce trip hazards. Lighting and predictable: as comfortable to them as If this all sounds elementary and intuitive, then
people will also really appreciate this attention their own living room. good, you’re already ahead of the game. Make
to detail.
back.
sure it’s second nature to your volunteer and
For instance, if the pastor uses a wireless part-time teammates as well because every
headset microphone, you or a member of your one of these points is crucial. Consistently
team should be responsible for making sure following these guidelines will get you the best
Keyboards and guitars are expensive, so inspect before the service that it is turned on with fresh service for your congregation. You’re setting
the instrument stands for wear and tear. If you batteries and correctly adjusted to fit. Pros yourself up for success, setting the standard
have stools, podiums, pews or other furniture always check wireless microphones for sound for your worship space and setting the stage
onstage, inspect that as well, and replace it if before a service, for events I’ve worked on here for a meaningful service!
it becomes wobbly or unstable; talent is even at Yamaha, we dedicate a team member just tougher to replace than an instrument! for the wireless gear. A guitar player will need
INSPECT THE TALENT’S GEAR
his microphone stand set to the right height
Check your microphone stands and boom and pointed at his guitar or amplifier the same
arms regularly. Make sure they still hold their way every service. Moving these just a few
positions; they shouldn’t droop during a service. inches changes their tone. The same goes for
Check for chipped or broken microphone clips all the vocal microphones, too. Placing a bottle
on the stands too, as they can have sharp of water nearby for the talent who are “wired
edges; nicked fingers are no fun for anyone, to the stage” is a nice touch and shows your
let alone a guitarist. One important thing about expectation of a great service. Floor monitors
the microphones themselves: they are personal and IEMs should all be sound-checked and in
items. Use the same microphone for the same the proper position.
person every time. It’s the sanitary thing to do,
for one thing, plus you’ll get a more consistent In Japan, where professional crews are locally
performance when the talent is used to their hired for touring events, they diagram and
gear from service to service. measure the microphone stands and even the
November 2019
John Schauer
Senior technical specialist, Pro Audio, Yamaha
Corporation of America
Subscribe for Free...
181