Church Bassists.

WookieeForLife · #1 09-01-2009, 01:30 PM

Ok, I do not go to church, but want to start. It just getss soooo boring for me. I was wondering how bassists on here got involved with the church? Now, my music reading is graded at a F on the scale in the other thread. Will this help my reading? I know if I can take it home, I'd be able to learn it. Also, for a medium size church, would a Ibanez 65 watt amp do? Thanks in advance. Also any tips would be good.

EDIT: This is for church musicians in general.

NoTalentHack · #2 09-01-2009, 01:58 PM

Hey, Wookie. I'm not a church bassist. I'm actually not really a bassist. But, I'd say first make Jesus Christ the center of your life and get involved with your church and through that fellowship God will open the doors for you.

By the way, there is a section with "church bassist" on this forum just search it.

Peace. ~J

WookieeForLife · #3 09-01-2009, 01:59 PM

Yes there is, I did search it. I didn't find my exact questions so I made my own thread.

NoTalentHack · #4 09-01-2009, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WookieeForLife

Yes there is, I did search it. I didn't find my exact questions so I made my own thread.

Ah. Sorry.

Combat Chuck · #5 09-01-2009, 03:03 PM

I've played bass for 2 different churches so far, and have had it happen two different ways.

The first church I played bass for, the youth band (back when I was a senior in high school) needed a bassist, so I started playing for them as a good way to keep learning my instrument, since I'd just started. After a few weeks, the music director overheard our practice, offered to let me play in the morning services if I was interested, and that was that. I played there for around 3 years.

The second church I played bass for was over this past summer. I had just helped run a youth retreat and after the service, mentioned to the youth pastor that I didn't have anywhere to play bass (having quit the other church due to moving almost an hour away). He mentioned that their bassist was joining the army and liked playing acoustic guitar anyway, so I started playing with them... then I moved an hour away for grad school and quit again.

My advice would be to go to the service for a month or so and pay attention to how the band works. Do they rotate musicians, or do they have a core group of people who don't tend to change? Do they play music that you would be interested in performing (musically, lyrically, spiritually, etc)? Study how their music tends to work, and then after a few weeks of that, approach the music director mentioning that you play bass and were wondering if there was a way you could get involved in the music portion of the service.

It would be a good idea to talk to the bassist also - perhaps even before you approach the director - so you can establish some level of cordiality and not just be "that guy" who comes in and tries to take over.

I would advise against trying to play music in a church that you are not interested in the preaching, however. Music is only a part of the service as a whole, and if you disagree with or cannot tolerate the message delivered after the band stops, I would recommend not trying to play, as the service is (or should be) a whole, rather than various parts.

I would also examine what part of church bores you. Is it that you've had experiences with boring pastors, or pastors that don't preach anything but very basic stuff, or stuff that is clearly wrong, or stuff that has no real place being taught in a church for a Sunday morning service? Did you go to churches that didn't preach in line with your beliefs so you didn't feel they were worth paying attention to? Things like this are fairly important.

Hope this helps

Just realized that I didn't answer the other questions, heh. My first church, I would show up on Sunday morning and sightread everything, but the music was available ahead of time if I wanted. My second church, I was given the music (and a CD) the week before. In my experience, you'll have a bit of time to read the music beforehand, and that should help you out.

Both churches I've played at, I went through the system, so I have no clue about the amp. When I was playing for the youth group, however, I was just using a little 100-watt SWR combo, and I usually had to keep it turned down and facing the wall. Depending on the style of music and whether or not you run through the church's system, you should be fine.

Fretless1! · #6 09-01-2009, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WookieeForLife

Ok, I do not go to church, but want to start. It just getss soooo boring for me. I was wondering how bassists on here got involved with the church? Now, my music reading is graded at a F on the scale in the other thread. Will this help my reading? I know if I can take it home, I'd be able to learn it. Also, for a medium size church, would a Ibanez 65 watt amp do? Thanks in advance. Also any tips would be good.

EDIT: This is for church musicians in general.

Wookie, I got involved by someone who knew I played simply asking me to play.

If there is already a Praise Band, ask your music director if you can sit in one Sunday. Get your foot in the door.

In my experience, it's not necessary that you be able to read. You will most likely me asked to follow a chord chart, though. Even if you've never done it, you'll learn and get better as you go along.

It is helpful if you know what the symbols mean (DC al fine, volta brackets, repeat signs). Even that may not be necessary according to what they give you to work with.

In my experience, yes, sometimes you get a cd to learn but sometimes you don't. I've done it both ways.

I don't know what you mean by medium size church but I play regularly at a church that easily seats 350-400 with a 100 watt Hartke. Plenty of volume. You might be pushing a 65 watt a little but you should be fine.

I hope you do well. You'll get a lot more out of church when you can participate. PM me if you want. Who knows if I'll revisit this thread.

WookieeForLife · #7 09-01-2009, 03:20 PM

The part I hate about church is when you have to kneel, stand, kneel, and stand again, then kneel for 15 minutes. I notice the "band" kneels on the floor. Alot more comfy then the other thing. As for the band, it consists of a keyboad/organ player and a flute. Once in awhile they will have big drum things sit in, but not often. Also for christmas there is a marachie (the mexican acoustic band) band playing. But, as for a regular sunday, it is a flute, keys, and a small choir. As for the message they convey, I find it 85% believeable. I can do that, plus I'll be getting community service hours for senior project. I'll call them up tomarro. Thanks guys. I guess for my amp, I'll go there on a saturday, get a copy of the music, and have the keyboardist go to one end of the church and see if its loud enough. Thanks for the help. Maybe now i wob't go to hell =]].

LSquared · #8 09-01-2009, 03:30 PM

Hey Wookie:

I was already involved in the Church, a long time member. A friend knew I played, and recommended me to the Worship Leader. As to amp, I'm wired direct to the mix board, that's how they wanted to do it.

Incidentally, no kneeling at our church. Good thing, too: My knees wouldn't survive that!

WookieeForLife · #9 09-01-2009, 03:41 PM

My chuech has surround sound for the readers and organ, but I'm afraid my bass will break it. Plus I can't go louder than the flute than has no amplification.

Hamrhed · #10 09-01-2009, 04:08 PM

Wookiee: use the experience to better yourself spiritually & musically- even if you are playing so low that you can barely be heard... opportunity comes to those who see beyond those little details and put the others first. You will gain experience that money cant buy

I got back into playing because of my church- and what started on a small scale is something entirely different now... and better. Once I used the experience as a way to better myself- the rewards became crystal clear! Good luck...

WookieeForLife · #11 09-01-2009, 06:12 PM

Thanks.

bottomzone · #12 09-01-2009, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoTalentHack

Hey, Wookie. I'm not a church bassist. I'm actually not really a bassist. But, I'd say first make Jesus Christ the center of your life and get involved with your church and through that fellowship God will open the doors for you.
Peace. ~J

+1000!!!! Don't approach playing in church as a gig-you'll be part of the Music Ministry. I am thrilled to be able to minister through my bass every Sunday!!!

A Groove is a Terrible Thing to Waste!

WookieeForLife · #13 09-01-2009, 06:55 PM

Remeber guys, we are discussing religion, but have to keep it un religious. Don't want this closed. My main questions were, is a 65 enough, and was answered with a yes. The other one was how did you guys get in it and that has been answered with several diffrent answers. As for me, I think I am goin to call tomarro to find out some info. The full choir plays at 9 am, but I am shooting for the 11 am mass with the keyboardist and flutist(is that the right term?) because I can never get up for 9am. I'll keep you guys posted. Thanks to all who helped.

jwbassman · #14 09-01-2009, 07:21 PM

I'll share my story. I never went to church growing up. We just didn't go for whatever reason. I had a good childhood and my parents weren't against religion. I guess that they went to church when they were kids, but never felt the urge to go as adults. Fast forward a bunch.

My father in law is a church musician and has been a music director since he was 18. He's been doing it now for 20+ years. When I met him he heard that band that I was playing with and asked if I wanted to play in church. He was hired at a new church and needed a bass player. The deciding factor for me was that is was a paid gig. I was in. Fast forward almost 10 years...

I'm still there. I fell in love with Church and everything about it (trying to keep it non-religious). The community, the spirituality, everything. I play 2 to 3 church masses every Sunday and a lot of concerts and tent revivals. I do still get paid, but if I didn't I would still do it all for the Lord. Would I have said this when I started. Meh, no. Things change. Now I do a lot of unpaid playing just because it's a great way to give back and minister to the people. God does work in mysterious ways

That's my story.

My rig for church is currently:

SWR SM400S
SWR 2x10 Golliath Jr.
SWR 1x15 Son of Bertha
Sans Amp BBDI to the FOH

The set up is usually Bass, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Keyboards, Drums, and anywhere from 5 to 10 Vocalist. All vocalists are mic'd using Sure Beta 58s. We run 8 monitors, with three separate mixes. 32 channel Allen & Heath Board. The church seats about a 1,000. It's a Catholic Church, so we do a big mix of music. All the standard mass parts, and then other music. It's cool because all the music flows with the service. I dig it!!

I say go in with an open mind and heart and just play! You never know.

LSquared · #15 09-01-2009, 07:48 PM

Good luck Wookie. Keep us posted

praisebass · #16 09-01-2009, 08:29 PM

65 is small but often, the bass would run through the PA. If you are not playing with a loud drummer, your current amp may be all you need. I typically use a Fender Bassman 150 - the XLR out works great with the sound system and the drummer and I use output from the speaker and we don't run bass in the monitor mix.

I got the position in my first church praise band by consistently serving in other areas, hanging with the band, sharing ideas with the worship leaders and when I got the opportunity to play, I made sure I was always on time and in tune and ready to do good work.

I suggest also checking out local jams (check local Christian radio website for event calendars)

I'm not a penecostal but I love to worship and play in worship with penecostals - check out a local A of G or other penecostal service on a Sunday night or Wednesday night if your church doesn't have a service at that time.

Talk with your people about playing for special music or offeratory - it will give you a chance to work together and see how you can contribute.

Understand that it's a service - I am not performing for a congregation, I am accompanying a choir that consists of every person in the congregation - we're all one great big band.

WookieeForLife · #17 09-01-2009, 08:47 PM

I have to play lower than a flute sooooo yea, I htink 65 would be enough. I'm not into the whole christian rock scene, but I do like Relient K and UnderOath. I have a completly diffrent out look on god, something not to be discussed here. But to my personal belief, I think I should play.

Hamrhed · #18 09-02-2009, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WookieeForLife

I have to play lower than a flute sooooo yea, I htink 65 would be enough. I'm not into the whole christian rock scene, but I do like Relient K and UnderOath

Nice thing about the music also- it will expose you to things you may not have heard otherwise... and let me tell you: there is some awesome Christian music out there!

Infernal Affair · #19 09-02-2009, 09:35 AM

I used a Fender 60 watt amp in the beginning before upgrading to a head/cab configuration. I think you'll be fine with your 65 watt amp.

I ended up playing bass at my last church because they needed someone to play bass. They were starting a praise band up and even though some of the guys can play bass, they preferred to play other instruments. At the time I had been learning off and on, but had a hard time being motivated even though I loved the instrument. Once I joined the band my skill with the instrument increased a lot and it gave me a lot of motivation. We never used sheet notation, only chord charts. I never got paid.

The church you want to play at seems very choir based, so I'm not sure how well they would receive your offer. But it doesn't hurt to ask, and it's cool that you're motivated to play in that environment. And if they turn you down, you can always find another church in search of a bass player. Best of luck.

Nick B. · #20 09-05-2009, 12:33 PM

Hey Wookie, your Ibanez 65 will work just fine. That's what I use in my church. Mines an SWX65. And if it's the kneeling you don't like, I'd suggest trying a baptist or Pentecostal church. (No offence to Catholics in any way at all) I got involved in my church's worship team through my old youth pastor Jon. They needed a bassist on the youth group team, so I started playing there - and eventually I got better and was asked to play sundays.

Hope it helped,
Nick.