So, your church wants to join the many other congregations who have incorporated a contemporary praise band into their worship services. Once your members have decided that they would like to have a group like this, there are many questions that come to mind. Among the most important questions are: What musicians and instrumentation will be used? What style of music fits your congregation? What's it going to cost to get the praise band up and running with instruments and equipment?
TIP#1-PICTURE THE PERFECT BAND FOR YOUR SERVICES
Typically a praise band consists of the same components as any traditional rock and roll band. There is a bass guitar player, a drummer, a guitar player, a keyboard player, and one or more vocalists. Maybe this configuration works best for you. Each congregation has different numbers of musicians, which means you may have to create your own ensemble with a different instrumentation. As long as the musicians and the church members are happy, you'll have a great praise band at your church in no time!
Instrumentalists and vocalists with prior ensemble experience (rock band, church choir, community band, etc.) are your best bet to get your praise band up and running. Your vocalists will have experience with microphones and proper mic technique, and your instrumentalists will have a good idea of what it takes to play as an ensemble (proper balance and blend, tempo, etc.), as well as an understanding of the equipment and how to operate it correctly. If there are some novice musicians in your congregation it is ok to have them join the praise band as long as there are some more experienced musicians to guide them along the way.
There is a possibility that you have more than 1 guitar player in your congregation. It is best to get as many musicians involved as possible, so assign one to play electric guitar and have the rest play acoustic guitar if that works. The guitar players can switch between electric and acoustic during the service to keep all the guitar players happy.
If you would like to see more guitar players assisting in worship services, I suggest looking into starting beginner worship guitar lessons. We have information on an exciting beginner guitar class that your church can host. It's focused on playing guitar for the glory of God. For more information, call me @1-800-358-3230.
If you have more than one drummer in your congregation, I recommend incorporating auxiliary percussion instruments (congas, tambourines, bongos, etc.) into the service. Your percussionists can switch between drum set and auxiliary instruments for variety. I also recommend that you keep auxiliary percussion equipment in the hands of musicians that have had appropriate instruction. If someone grabs a tambourine just for something to do during services, it can actually detract from the music.
You can have several vocalists in the group. They can sing harmonies or reinforce the melody so that the congregation has an easier time of singing along.
For appropriate balance and blend, it is only necessary to have one bass player and one keyboardist.
Brass and woodwinds are a fun addition that can really liven up your worship services. Just make sure you find music that can include these types of instruments.
TIP#2-DETERMINE THE MUSICAL STYLE THAT BEST FITS YOUR CONGREGATION
This is fairly easy to do. Most folks in your congregation have grown up listening to all types of music, so going with a "pop" contemporary style seems to fit most churches. With the instrumentation listed above, or a slight variation thereof, this can be easily accomplished.
Be sensitive to folks who are used to traditional worship music. Try to include a mix of traditional and contemporary when you first get started. This will allow everyone to get comfortable with your praise band.
TIP#3-WHAT’S ALL THIS GONNA COST?
Start up costs can vary. At Mollet Music Co./PraiseSource.com, we can put together a package that meets each individual praise band's needs. Whether it's instruments, PA equipment, or accessories, we are committed to giving you the best value at the lowest price.
We’ve helped many praise bands get started, and we continue to help many established groups acquire the gear they need. If you have a desire to start a praise band and want to get the best deals on instruments and equipment, give me a call at 1-800-358-3230 or email me molletmusic@iw.net.
Many churches have already witnessed the benefits of incorporating a praise band into their worship services. Maybe it's time for your church to consider this opportunity to enhance your music program while at the same time providing another means of responding to God. Set some goals and pray about it… now you are on your way to making your praise band a reality! If you have any questions, or just need some god advice, please don't hesitate to call or email.
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