Collin's Advice

Q & A

How does your team practice for your worship service or concert?

We would set aside 2-3 months to rehearse for a special event – with weekly rehearsals and a dress rehearsal on the final week (full run-through) and we would get them the sheet  music  and a tape of the songs (if you want to imitate the sound on a recording) and then we would have 2 or 3 rehearsals in sections (vocals separate, band separate)

The ideal basic combination of musicians  :

1 Drummer, 1 Acoustic Guitarist, 1 Electric Guitarist, 1 Bass Guitarist, 1 Keyboard Player. (Note: More guitarist can be use to play different parts of the music)

Extra music instruments can be use for concert : (optional)

Trumpet, Trombone, Flute, Saxophone, Grand Piano, Percussions and others.

Any advices for the vocalist and musicians?

  1. The music must not be louder than the vocalist.

  2. Maintain in a clear tone for every instruments. (Note: not noisy)

  3. The voice of the vocalist should be clear. (Note: The vocalist must not force her voice. Change the Keys of the Chords if the key of the song is too high or too low for the vocalist)

  4. The bass guitar sound should be clear.

How to overcome stage fright?

1.  Review the performance skills you have practiced and learned.
2.  Prepare all your work thoroughly. Knowing your job will greatly reduce your anxiety.
3.  Double-check that you have the correct printed editions of all your music.
4.  Put yourself in control of everything within your sphere of influence. For instance, check out your performance space
5.  Avoid being rushed or distracted on the day of your performance.
6.  Practice your relaxation skills before performing
7.  Take an imaginary journey through your performance from beginning to end, soothing your mind during the quiet time before your entry.
8.  Use deep breathing to calm your body
9.  Offer yourself as the medium through which the composer's or playwright's spirit and intention will flow.
10.  Be generous and eager to share your gift.
11.  Make your performance a celebration, not a trial.
12. Commit the performance to God.

Prepare for a performance.

.1.  Try to achieve a good balance in your selection of songs.
2.  Think about your audience in advance and select a theme that might appeal to it.
3.  Play to your audience, but also please yourself. The audience is more likely to respond well if you are enjoying the performance.
4.  Build your program around a song that you selected as being the most meaningful or dramatic.
5.  Create a mood that builds up and leads into that pivotal song.
6.  Work back gently onto a lighter mood after that climax. Avoid jerking the audience out of an emotion you've worked so hard to create.

 
The Venue
Steps:
1.  Visit the place where you are to perform. Have a good look around.
2.  Walk from the dressing room to the stage and back and eliminate any hazards you might meet when entering the stage.
3.  Check out the acoustics in advance in case you have no time for a rehearsal.
4.  Check for blind spots and locate the best position for yourself.
5.  Work with your accompanist - if you have one - to make sure he or she can hear you and vice versa.
6.  Make sure you will be getting enough performance space.

For any more question that you would like to ask , please sent an email to justin_nys@yahoo.com.