Rehearsal Recap - Jan 31, 2008

Boys and Girls, I think we’re in for a treat this week!!

We’re doing an acoustic week, and unlike what we’ve attempted before. We’ve never really reached that true “Coffee House” vibe that I longed for. Instead, in the past we’ve compromised and made the rhythm electric an acoustic, and replaced the drum kit with a bunch of percussion stuff and trash cans that just poorly emulated a REAL drum kit.

Well, I think we got it right this time, and I think (ok - HOPE) that people are going to dig it and that our leaders will really be able to lead people into worship with passion! It’s certainly not the same-old-thing, and if you’re at North Point this Sunday, please let me know what you thought by replying to Monday’s “Sunday Summary.”

We also approached the rehearsal differently by having all the guys bring in their instruments into a comfortable room, and sat around and worked out parts and arrangements (for both auditoriums at once). We’re doing Son of God, Let Me Sing and All Because of Jesus (all available HERE).

WOW, that ended up being a really special experience! Check out the horsepower sitting around this circle!

Yeah kids, that’s (clockwise) James David Carter (in the blue ball cap), Ryan Stuart, Mike Gleason, Brad Gage, Wayne Viar (purple shirt on percussion), Steve Thomason, Ashley Appling, Todd Fields and Earl South. You also see Bill DeLoach in the background with the black shirt.

When that rehearsal was over, we all looked at each other in awe, each guy commenting on how special that was. I hope we can do THAT more often, even just on our own time, worshipping with other great musicians.

Here’s a sneak-peak at the cool new set for the upcoming series “Text:_“

Now if you ask real nice we might be able to keep that nice orange lift on stage for you……

What excited YOU yesterday?

…

Ashley Appling, Earl South, Guitar, James David Carter, Michael Gleason, Music, Music, North Point, North Point Music, Rehearsal, Ryan Stuart, Todd Fields, Worship, Worship Leader, Wayne Viar, Brad Gage, Steve Thomason, Untitled, Bill DeLoach, Let Me Sing, Son Of God, All Because of Jesus, Louder Than Creation, North Point Live

Creme Egg (of Death!)

Oooooohhhhhhh……. They’re back……. And soooo good.

And evil… (Look at it, sitting there all innocent… Wolf in sheep’s tinfoil…)

Don’t give in, don’t give in, don’t give in, don’t give in, don’t give in, don’t give in, don’t give in, don’t give in, don’t give in, don’t give in, don’t give in, don’t give in, don’t give in, don’t give in,don’t give in….

OK, go get me one!!! Meanwhile, check out the Web site. I’m both impressed AND disturbed…

What’s YOUR Easter candy weakness?

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Candy, Easter, Creme Egg, chocolate

Music Q & A - Finding Worship Leaders, pt 2

I’m honored to work at North Point Community Church, and we’re flattered when folks from all over send us questions on how we do music and stuff, from over-arching philosophies to the logistical nuts and bolts.

We, as the music department, have taken a lot of time an effort to answer dozens of these questions at North Point Music, but there are some great ones worth sharing with y’all. If you care, that is

Aaron from Michigan had asked: What kind of worship training do you have in place?

The first part of my answer is here – I suggest you read that first to get caught up.

Part 2:

OK, so we talked about a natural WL making their way through the ranks, a sort of natural progression that reflects their ever-maturing abilities, and may also reflect their age.

I’ve noticed over time that WLs naturally come together. It’s weird. I think younger guys that have an interest in that area gravitate towards older, more experienced WLs. They introduce themselves, ask questions, and eventually build relationships. The key is for them to find a veteran WL that actually WILL answer their questions and kind of take them under their wing. You ask certain WLs around here and you’d get a consensus that one of the unspoken responsibilities of a veteran WL is to help raise up the next generation. BEWARE the veteran WL that doesn’t have that instinct, or that younger guys are not approaching.

I know that vets like Todd Fields, Danny Dukes, Steve Fee and Mike Gleason have had significant influence in our next generation of guys like Kristian Stanfill, Eddie Kirkland, James David Carter, Ryan Stuart, Casey Darnell and Brett Younker.

Now this next thought is where we can all get a bit off track if we’re not very careful and very discerning. And don’t get me wrong – we sure don’t have this perfected. We’re all in the learning phase for this:

I believe there are people that can sell a song, like a radio tune, very well. They are the gifted Performers. I also believe there are gifted Worship Leaders, ones that effectively lead people in worship to their Heavenly Father by having an authentic, unbridled and contagious passion for Him, and being vulnerable to a group, earning their respect. Unfortunately, those are two different skill sets that very few people possess.

A good parallel is Jim Carey as Ace Ventura, and then trying to take him seriously as a skilled drama actor. Yeah, tough isn’t it? Or what about Tom Hanks going from Bosom Buddies to Forest Gump and Castaway?

No one took them seriously in their first drama roles, but they worked hard at discovering the passion of acting that was naturally inside of them, and eventually won critical acclaim.

I believe that the same is possible for SOME of those great song-sellers, as long as the passion for leading others in worship is INthem. It might take a while to reveal, but if it’s in there, then it’s worth helping them discover and embrace it. I can think of a couple guys that we are involved with that are brilliant at performing a song – they’ve done it for years on a professional level. Yet only in the last few years have they begun to discover and develop their gifts as a corporate WL.

But when it’s all said and done, it’s got to be in their HEARTS to be that vulnerable, passionate personality, and not just performing worship tunes in front of yet another audience. That’s a tough road that you, as their leadership, must travel with them, often having to make some painful observations, and possibly some difficult decisions. Uggh – that’s not fun, trust me!

Here’s one gauge: How much do they reveal OFF stage, in a safe environment? That’s probably a good indication of how transparent, authentic and passionate they’ll be ON stage. Just a thought…

On the flip side, having a gifted WL perform that mainstream radio hit as a special opener isn’t always the best idea, either! (That’s why God made those great performers! Please don’t disrespect them if they’re not gifted WLs – they do serve an important purpose in captivating an audience and effectively communicating the message of a song!!)

Who’s lead YOU to engage in worship lately?

…

NOTE: These are opinions of the participants, and no organization mentioned or affiliated can be held responsible if you use these opinions in an un-wise way. Duh!

Danny Dukes, Michael Gleason, Music, Music, North Point, North Point Music, Steve Fee, Todd Fields, Worship, Worship Leader, training, Casey Darnell, Kristian Stanfill, Eddie Kirkland, Ryan Stuart, James David Carter, performers, Brett Younker, questions, Jim Carey, Tom Hanks

Foot IN Mouth Disease

A few days ago a friend, whom I hadn’t seen in a while, informed me that he and his wife were pregnant. Here’s the dialogue:

Me: Congratulations! How far along is she?

Him: (over 20) weeks

Me: Cool - so do you know if you’re having a girl or a boy?

Him: A little girl

Me: Awww - that’s great! Have you picked out a name?

Him: Yes - it’s (traditional male name) (traditional male name)

Me: Oh, I’m sorry, I thought you said you were having a girl

Him: Yes, we are

Me: Ohhhh….

What’s put YOUR foot in your mouth lately?

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embarrasing, friends, pregnant, babies, baby

Olan Mills Awesomeness, Round 1

I can’t take credit for finding the pictures or the brilliant quotes. But I can take credit for sharing them with you… There were 36 in all, so we’ll spread the love over a few weeks. Here’s Round 1:

Those glasses came free with a purchase of Brut cologne.

Thoughtful Lance. Mirthful Lance. Two sides of a delightful coin.

Darryl won “Awesomest Senior Mullet” by a landslide.

That dude wore a tie for nothing.

The Purvis family made several stops along the Oregon Trail to document their six-month journey. This photo was taken just two weeks before the dysentery took Momma to Jesus.

I wanted a shot like this for my wedding. The Mrs. said no, especially since I lost my tux jacket before the ceremony even started.

There’s Round 1. Let’s vote for our favorite in each round and see who wins each week. Then they can duke it out in a Battle Royale at the end. Should be fun!

My personal vote this week is The Purvis Family. That dysentery line almost made me pee my pants.

What’s YOUR vote?

…

Olan Mills, photos, funny, Funny!

Naming a Bear

Today is Pajama day at Ella’s Pre-School, and they were asked to bring a Teddy Bear for a parade. I know - that sounds more fun than my day!

As she and I were in the car this morning, I asked her what her bear’s name was. She’s not much into stuffed animals, so it was a teddy bear I’d only seen a couple times sitting in her closet, so I sure didn’t know the bear’s name.

She hadn’t previously named it, and so she thought for a moment, and eloquently replied,

“I shall call her Falilia.”

Now THAT’s creativity. And apparently a unique ability to channel Dr. Evil (from the Austin Powers movies).

What was YOUR Teddy Bear’s name?

…

Ella, Ella, teddy bear

Sunday Summary - Music January 27, 2008

It seems as those of us in church music are involved in a constant balancing act. At least in math there’s a right answer and a wrong answer.

Not so in music.

Not so in spirituality.

Odd, then, that God would ask His people to play music and sing praises to Him. He went so far as to create a group of people in the Old Testament charged with just the task of leading His chosen people in said activities – the Levites. No, they didn’t make blue jeans. You can start your research on the Levites here.

Well, we had some good ol’ Levites leading His people yesterday.

Danny Dukes and his endless, youthful enthusiasm lead in East.

Mike Gleason and his impeccable musicianship lead in West.

Both of these guys are at least 50 years old, but they don’t bring a geriatric quality – they bring years of experience and are able to command the respect of the “over 40” crowd that can sometimes be difficult with younger Worship Leaders. I think that’s a step towards creating a nice balance. (And I secretly think that middle aged guys in the audience feel empowered when they see their peer rockin’ out on stage )

If you hearken back to last week’s Sunday Summary, you’ll remember me talking about doing some tunes that “live in the heart of our people”. Well, we talked about that and tweaked some tunes to make a great set. Not the greatest set, but songs the crowd really sang. It wasn’t the hippest or the coolest, but I don’t think I’ve EVER heard our folks sing that much on all three songs – top to bottom.

Now a congregation singing loud or a lot isn’t the be-all definition of an intimate, engaging worship experience, but I think we’d all agree it’s farther along that road than a room full of “arms-crossed-staring-blankly-at-the-screen” type folk.

Unfortunately that blank stare crowd is a necessary balance that’s sometimes needed if we ever intend to introduce new songs to our people. Alas, the curse of the modern music department (well, at least as long as it desires the descriptive term “modern”, but I digress…). We’ll discuss the pursuit of that balance another day…

Anyhoo – here’s the set list I’ve now rambled about. Oldies, but goodies…

“Salvation Is Here” by Hillsong United

“Everlasting God” by Brenton Brown

“How Great Is Our God” by Chris Tomlin

The first two songs we did on our first North Point Live CD and are available on iTunes. (The second CD will be on iTunes in a few months, but is currently available here.)

East Band: Brad Bretz, Ashley Appling, Danny Howes, Danny Grady, Earl South, Chris Arias

West Band: Joe Lee, Richard Meeder, Brad Long, Alex Nifong, Jared Hamilton, Anna Houston

What helped YOU worship this past week?

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Danny Dukes, Music, Music, North Point, North Point Music, Worship, Worship Leader, Everlasting God, Salvation Is Here, How Great Is Our God, Michael Gleason, Brad Bretz, Ashley Appling, Danny Howes, Danny Grady, Earl South, Chris Arias, Joe Lee, Richard Meeder, Brad Long, Alex Nifong, Jared Hamilton

Technology and Creativity Quote

My car radio’s still broken, so I continue to “enjoy” several podcasts on the iPod (iPhone really, but I don’t want to sound pretentious…)

I heard a great quote on a “LOST” Podcast by J.J. Abrams - the guy behind Alias, Lost, Mission Impossible 3 and Cloverfield. You writers and Apple lovers will dig this:

He’s been talking about “the blank page” and “magic box” concepts…

“In the creative process, technology is mindblowingly inspiring to me. I realize that that blank page IS a magic box - it needs to be filled with something fantastic…. I love Apple computers - I’m obsessed. This (Apple laptop) right here, it challenges me. It basically says, y’know, “What are you going to write, worthy of ME?”

I love that. It’s almost as though us Apple users have an OBLIGATION and RESPONSIBILITY to use these works of technological art to their fullest potential.

Or rather - that they are designed and created to assist us in reaching our creative potential.

Sing with me, the Napoleon Dynamite love theme, “I love technology….”

What technology helps YOUR creativity?

…

Alias, Apple, Creativity, J.J. Abrams, LOST, MacBook Pro, Music, Music, technology

Mainstream Chord Charts

People ask us all the time if we have Chord Charts for the “mainstream” tunes we do. Obviously we’ve created a great resource with North Point Music, but that only covers worship songs. And that’s not about to change, because the licensing for mainstream, or “secular” tunes is a nightmare we won’t soon tackle.

Anyhoo - I found two great Web sites a couple years ago that are my go-to sites for mainstream chord charts.

**NOTE: Before I tell you what it is, you MUST KNOW that if you want to become a better musician and learn the songs deep into your long-term memory, you should chart them from scratch with minimal to no assistance!!!

If, however, you are facing a deadline and a gauntlet of tunes, such as I am for the upcoming Married Life Live, this site is a great cheat. I mean “help”….

Check out SheetMusicDirect.us (my personal fave because of the great user interface) or Musicnotes.com

These sites include the great Sibelius Scorch plugin which allows you to see the first page of the long chart (piano, vocals, lyrics, chords, etc.) and transpose to any key you’d like.

You buy the tune, print it out, and presto - a 7 page chart. WAIT - a 7 page chart?????

Ahhh, then comes your turn. I still take that 7 pager and condense it into a 1 or 2 page Rhythm Chart, including (or omitting) whatever elements will help the band the most. Usually just Chords, important Rhythms, Dynamics and playing instructions, and, of course, Form (verses, choruses repeats, etc). There’s still work involved, but a whole lot less!!

Many times I’ll use NUMBERS (Nashville Number System) instead of CHORDS if they’re basic chords, that way a guitarist can capo and not have to transpose in his head, or we can change the key if it’s just not working for the singer.

For anything we do on a Sunday, or may wish to transpose in the future or export to another campus, I’ll do a Finale chart, but I’ll often just do a handwritten chart for special-event tunes. Here are a couple examples:

Changes Shreck.pdf

Take Me There.pdf

What have YOU transcribed lately?

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Lyrics, Music, North Point, North Point Music, Married Life Live, Married, Changes, Take Me There, Sibelius, Scorch, plugins, Nashville Number System, Chord Chart, Rhythm Chart, Chords, Mainstream, Secular, Guitar, transpose, online, buy

Frosty, corrected…

The brisk weather has kept Ella in a wint’ry mood. Today she’s been singing “Frosty The Snowman,” but wit some, shall we say, alternative lyrics, of which I’ve been trying to correct…

Example 1:

“Frosty the Snowman was a happy, jolly snow…”

I started with a gentle correction, but am now yelling “SOUL!!” across the house…

Example 2:

“With a corn cob pipe and a butt and nose…”

Well how can you correct that? I mean she’s anatomically correct, isn’t she???

Turns out there’s a web site dedicated to the phenomenon of misheard lyrics: www.kissthisguy.com

My personal faves are…

Bon Jovi: Living On A Prayer

The real lyrics were:
It doesn’t make a difference if we make it or not.

But I misheard them as:
It doesn’t make a difference if we’re naked or not.

Creedence Clearwater Revival: Bad Moon Rising

The real lyrics were:
There’s a bad moon on the rise

But I misheard them as:
There’s a bathroom on the right

National Anthems: Oh Canada

Hear more from National Anthems:

The real lyrics were:
Oh Canada, we stand on guard for thee…

But I misheard them as:
Oh Canada, we stand on cars and freeze…

Yeah, well for that last song, BOTH are true!!! How else can you see over those snowdrifts?

What have YOU misheard?

…

Kids, Music, Music, Lyrics, misheard

Play-Doh. Doohhh!

I don’t understand how a product that gave me so much joy as a child can bring me so much consternation and frustration as a parent.

Even after one’s best efforts, all that came out of the container does not, and shall not return. Instead, little crumbly bits end up on the floor, deep in in the crevasses of the baseboard, and ground into the carpet. As though it teases you: “One bit at a time, I shall turn your beige carpet red! RED!!!! A-ha-ha-ha-ha!!!”

At least I think that’s what it’s saying to me..

And yet, as loving parents, we all give in to our child’s excited question: “Can we play Play-Doh?”

They might as well be asking: “Can I destroy your lovely, clean kitchen? Please?”

And we will, of course, smile back and say, “yes”, because there’s just no better feeling than when your child cheers “yeah!!” Somehow, that makes cleaning up all those evil dried bits seem not so bad after all.

What have YOU cleaned up today?

…

Play-Doh, Kids

Music Q & A - Finding Worship Leaders, pt 1

I’m honored to work at North Point Community Church, and flattered when folks from all over send us questions on how we do music and stuff, from over-arching philosophies to the logistical nuts and bolts.

We, as the music department, have taken a lot of time an effort to answer dozens of these questions at North Point Music, but there are some great ones worth sharing with y’all. If you care, that is

This is from Aaron in Michigan: What kind of worship training do you have in place?

Well, Aaron, there’s no one specific “training” regimen in place. No set markers or milestones, written exam or scouting program. That doesn’t help, does it?

Instead, let me address this from 3 sides: 1 – the Worship Leader, 2 – the band musician, and 3 – the background singer. These are all lengthy topics, so let’s just cover WL’s right now.

Finding a great Worship Leader is beyond tough. And, as a kicker, I’ve found over my 20 years in church music that most people that think they are a gifted Worship Leader aren’t! Lots of people can sing a song very well. Fewer people can lead a body of believers in worship.

I think the heart is the first thing to look at. The second is transparency. That is the root, the seed of a great worship leader. Unraveling a junk load of “Christianese” on the congregation is just that: junk. I’m not impressed or moved by a WL’s eloquent, rehearsed verbage. Instead, talk to me like you and I have been best buddies for years. That sounds tough, and it is. Sometimes it’s just natural, or second nature to do that, like Steve Fee or Danny Dukes, and sometimes it involves some time to evolve - maybe with some mild coaching, or just from experience, like one of my favorite WLs Todd Fields. Either way, the heart needs to be evident and the soul needs to be transparent.

My gut tells me that believers are not moved by fancy words, fake smiles and programmed “worship” moves (the pre-meditated eye close or hand raise, etc.). More importantly, I believe that non-Christians can see right through that, and are nauseated.

Now where to find a great Worship Leader? Hint: They’re already leading worship. Somewhere. With NO EGO. And chances are they have been at it for years because it’s IN them to do that – in their soul, it’s WHO they are, not just WHAT they do.

They might start by leading the toddlers in the nursery, then the grade school kids. Then more experience by leading the middle schoolers, and then really refining their craft leading the high schoolers. (Man, if you can lead High School kids, you can lead anyone). Now that’s not the only way to find great WLs, but you can’t deny that that gradual, growing process separates the wheat from the chaff. Or something like that… (Iron sharpens iron? Cream rises to the top? Separates the men from the boys? Insert your preferred cliché here…)

Once those novice WLs have “risen” to a certain, high level (and not by their own self-promotion, but by discerning leadership in those areas who actually know what they’re talking about), then some high-level apprenticing can start. OK, let me rephrase that: Apprenticing can start right from the start, but only after a great deal of experience can an apprentice learn to become a master. That’s very “Kung Fu”, but I think you know what I mean.

OK, this is a good place to pause, because that’s a lot to digest. It’s nowhere near a complete answer, but we’ll pick up from there next time…

Who are YOU apprenticing?

…

NOTE: These are opinions of the participants, and no organization mentioned or affiliated can be held responsible if you use these opinions in an un-wise way. Duh!

Danny Dukes, Music, Music, North Point, North Point Music, Rehearsal, Steve Fee, Todd Fields, Worship, Worship Leader

Rehearsal Notes - 01.24.08

Man, I love it when a pain becomes a pleasure. Take yesterday, for example.

We were unable to do our regular evening rehearsal in the West Auditorium due to a Group Link event. A pretty substantial event that happens only 4 times a year, so we were “happy” to adjust. We were fortunate that everyone in the band could rehearse at 10 AM, instead on our normal 6:30 PM.

Wow. I’d love to do THAT more often. Instead of my regular running from East to West Auditoriums (at North Point we’ve got 2 mirroring 3,000 seat auditoriums with simultaneous live worship on both sides. Also known as organized & logistical chaos…), I got to plop down on a comfy seat, sip my morning coffee, and observe and assist rehearsal.

Ahhhhhhh……

Then last evening the rehearsal on East was normal, and I got to plop down on a comfy seat, sip my evening coffee, and observe and assist rehearsal….

Ahhhhhhh…….

And I’m actually looking forward to this week’s songs - 3 great worship tunes that already “live” in the hearts of our regular attenders, and are just great to sing loud and strong: Salvation Is Here, Everlasting God and How Great Is Our God. Yeah, oldies - but goodies! The other treat is that the players ALSO have these tunes in their hearts, and so we didn’t need any charts and rehearsal was quick and efficient! Yesssss!

But - let me remind you: Rehearsal Is Not Glamorous! Doesn’t look quite as engaging under the florescent work lights, does it?

Yes, in the 3rd picture they are cleaning the floors in the East. I like to think of it more as a Dance Floor….

How was YOUR rehearsal?

…

Music, North Point, Worship, Rehearsal

I owe Brad Bretz a (good) meal

Sooo, Many “Mad Props” (sorry, I know that’s lame) to Brad Bretz (Motionhouse) for his favorable mention on his blog. Looks like I owe him a fine meal.

Now I’ve got so many new friends from around the world - err, continent! I’m like a kid in a candy store…

I took a gander to see “who’s on” right now, so a big “HI” to those of you from:

Covina, California
Rochester, Michigan (Go Blue!!)
Rome, Georgia
Cumming, Georgia (gee, who do I know there…)
Suwanee, Georgia
and
Tottenham, Ontario (I lived in Ontario for 20 years, and I’ve never even heard of that town! Cool!)

Where are YOU from?

…

Rhetorical Answers - Part 1

Two interesting conversations this morning. Here’s the first one…

First, while standing in the hall, Michael Gleason, Jared Hamilton and I found ourselves involved in a witty visit with one of the world’s most creative people, Jon Williams. Jon works with KidStuf helping create that incredible environment, writing the bulk of the skits, or sketches, or whatever they call the humorous acting sceens… After you meet him you’ll never believe he used to work in accounting!

Jon was wearing a hat that said “writer.” on the front. Appropriate, since he is one. But what makes the hat great is on the back it says “writer’s” with a large square underneath. Get it? “Writer’s Block“. It’s funny - trust me.

And so the rhetorical question was posed: Which came first? The writer or the block?

Jon’s witty answer was “The Block! Only then did they realize they needed a Writer!”

What have YOU written lately?

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