I've started from scratch on my mixes before. I don't usually have time though.
I'm not in a leadership position at all, I'm at the same level as the musicians (and under the band leader and worship pastor). I have no problem with this, but it means I can't tell people what to do, I can only make suggestions.
That being said, any musician who isn't the band leader or worship pastor also can't tell me what to do, so I only have to take direction from the highest authorities, which is nice. I've also never had a random audience member complain to me, but even if they did, it's not my problem. If the senior Pastor complains, that's a problem.
The bass players do tend to stick to playing the lowest notes. The bassists at our church are pretty much set.
With guitar players, volume control is a bigger issue than them playing all together, honestly. If they maintain good volume levels, I'm perfectly fine with them just strumming away on chords.
Our piano player is not a professional, and she does tend to stick to the middle of the keyboard when she could venture out a bit and play some of the higher and lower ends of the piano. Hopefully this is something she can do more as she grows as a musician.
The only member of the band that's really concerned about "their" tone is the band leader, and he's pretty understanding. If "his" tone isn't working, we talk it out and find something that we can both agree on. He's a great guy.
So far I don't think the background vocalists really need ear plugs, if they want to get some, that's their prerogative.
The leaders have defined their priorities: Lead vocal on top. At all times. Lead vocal should be clear enough that anyone can walk into the room and look at the stage and immediately know who is singing lead.
After that would be backing vocals and keys. Drums and bass should be providing a solid rhythm, and signature guitar parts (e.g. solos) should be clearly heard. Everything else is to fill.
I'm not in a leadership position at all, I'm at the same level as the musicians (and under the band leader and worship pastor). I have no problem with this, but it means I can't tell people what to do, I can only make suggestions.
That being said, any musician who isn't the band leader or worship pastor also can't tell me what to do, so I only have to take direction from the highest authorities, which is nice. I've also never had a random audience member complain to me, but even if they did, it's not my problem. If the senior Pastor complains, that's a problem.
The bass players do tend to stick to playing the lowest notes. The bassists at our church are pretty much set.
With guitar players, volume control is a bigger issue than them playing all together, honestly. If they maintain good volume levels, I'm perfectly fine with them just strumming away on chords.
Our piano player is not a professional, and she does tend to stick to the middle of the keyboard when she could venture out a bit and play some of the higher and lower ends of the piano. Hopefully this is something she can do more as she grows as a musician.
The only member of the band that's really concerned about "their" tone is the band leader, and he's pretty understanding. If "his" tone isn't working, we talk it out and find something that we can both agree on. He's a great guy.
So far I don't think the background vocalists really need ear plugs, if they want to get some, that's their prerogative.
The leaders have defined their priorities: Lead vocal on top. At all times. Lead vocal should be clear enough that anyone can walk into the room and look at the stage and immediately know who is singing lead.
After that would be backing vocals and keys. Drums and bass should be providing a solid rhythm, and signature guitar parts (e.g. solos) should be clearly heard. Everything else is to fill.
