Church Audition - Help!

Hippos Melas · #1 08-31-2010, 03:05 PM

So I decided to audition for the liturgical group at my college and the email I was sent 15 minutes ago says:

Quote:

Bring your instrument, amplifier, and anything you have prepared that you feel shows your skills with the instrument.

I've got no idea what to play. I learn songs in my iTunes by ear...

What would you guys play?

David1234 · #2 08-31-2010, 03:09 PM

Tell them that - you learn songs by ear. Maybe ask them if they want to pick from any of 20 songs to show you've got ability to cope with a big repertoire.

Also have in mind at least one song that's flashy and one that's basic so you can show chops and self discipline. Chances are they'll still ask you to pick a song or two even if you've just bragged about knowing 20!

bassic.science · #3 08-31-2010, 06:54 PM

The chords G, C, D, and Em will carry you through 90% of contemporary church music.

MrDOS · #4 08-31-2010, 07:19 PM

I like what David1234 says. If there's a song that you have learned that you proud to have copped, you could play that.

I am speaking from limited experience, but modern HOW music is all over the map, and I know some places that sound more like a rock bar gig.

Hippos Melas · #5 08-31-2010, 11:25 PM

Well, so far, the plan is to walk into the chapel and fire up "Love Foolosophy" by Jamiroquai. I don't feel like anything I know is "flashy" or anything like that and that song is about as involved as my bass lines have gotten so far. I suppose I could always slap some Chili lines or something. I just wish I knew some cool solo bass piece like "Human Nature or something.

Pff, this audition could hardly be more vague. :/

KingRazor · #6 08-31-2010, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassic.science

The chords G, C, D, and Em will carry you through 90% of contemporary church music.

In my case it's been G#, B, F# and E (which ones are minor depends on the song but those are the root notes for nearly every song played at my church)

Herbie 80's · #7 09-01-2010, 12:02 AM

Actually, all of my church's notation tends to be all over the place.

9/4 timing, high keys, low keys, minor keys, you name it. We play an average of 8-12 songs per Sunday, usually half hymn's (which are generally just classical pieces like Haydn with words to them) and half choruses.

I'm finding now that my favourite key to play in is D, easily. And hymn's can be A LOT of fun, even if some people find them old and stale. They definitely aren't old and stale playing them with the bow.

bassteban · #8 09-01-2010, 12:32 AM

Learn this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KV4glz5FXY

Munjibunga · #9 09-01-2010, 01:25 AM

Do this, and you'll get the gig.

sneha1965 · #10 09-01-2010, 05:39 PM

Do you attend the church? If so I would go in knowing 5-6 of the songs they play during service. Ask if you don't know. Plug those names into youtube and you're on your way. Are you going to be accompanying a guitarist or piano? Hopefully so. Playing with someone will give them a better sense of how you fit in a group setting, which is the natural way they would hear the bass during a service.

Hippos Melas · #11 09-01-2010, 06:01 PM

Thanks for all of your help everyone! I just got back from the audition and got the spot.

The audition was a bit strange, though, at least, nothing I'm used to. First, I had to sight read a bit. I was given a vocal part with the chord progression written out on top. I then had to match up the chord progression with the rhythm that was being sung. I did alright on that, but I've never done that before, so it wasn't my strongest part of the audition.

On the upside, the second part was just basically me showing off...so I pulled out "Canned Heat" by Jamiroquai. Definitely worth playing that one. Everyone had some good laughs about Napoleon Dynamite and then offered me the part.