How to get into / audition for Praise and Worship band?

I would think the pastor would only allow a member of the church to play music for services which would eliminate seeking other churches. I think the best option would be to speak with the music director for the church as well as the other bass player and see about getting to witch out with him some services.

 

Ouch. I'm at a loss then for playing in services. Perhaps look to play outside of services if that is your thing, or maybe do a special for the church and pick who you play with.

I got fired up and told my pastor I wanted to play bass in the services but he said it wouldnt be a good idea. Was looking more for an acoustic guitar if anything. We only have a pianist right now. I hit up our church for musicians and we have only the 2 that play piano lol.

I really want to put a death metal gospel band together but most christians are against the instrumentals and the lost are against the words. Stuck in the middle I am.

 

Step 1: Talk to the worship leader.

 

This isn't necessarily true in my experience. I've played in two chruch P&W teams in the past ten years where I was a regular player but not a church member starting out. In the first case I played for over two years and never became a member. After that, I played in my present church for about 6 months before becoming a member. Around here, smaller churches are often desparate for bass players. CL ads for all kinds of worship team musicians are pretty common.

The OP mentioned he might be looking for a new church for several reasons, including being able to play more. My advice here would be to NOT make music the first priority. It's much more important to find a church that is compatible with your views on theology, social issues, etc. Hopefully he'll find that along with a good music program that appreciates his contribution.

 

Community box, MUSICIANS box. People post in there usually.

 

Some thoughts from a ex-church player (who may be getting back into it):

-The talent level required at a church depends on the style. If you can play most U2 songs you'll be able to hack it with most Contemporary Christian Worship tunes, but the bar is set MUCH higher for Urban Gospel. In reality you should be woodshedding other songs than religious ones anyway since that'll improve your chops the fastest.

-Your continued playing on a typical worship band is as much about your playing ability as your "hang", though in this circumstance that can sometimes include your willingness to serve as a volunteer (play for free), submit to the church's authority and follow direction.

-Get comfortable playing with different people quickly. Sometimes you won't know who you're playing with until Sunday morning so the more flexible you are in playing with different players (drummers especially) the more you'll enjoy church gigs.

-Learn to read music. Most places will use chord charts but occasionally I've been given sheet music or a sheet with numbers (Nashville Numbers System).

-An extended-range bass will make transposing and changing keys much easier than a regular 4-string.

Therese also a Praise & Worship Club here on Talkbass that you could check out for more advice. Best of luck to you!

 

Sounds like your present church is well stocked, perhaps some members can rehearse together and provide music missionary services to churches not as fortunate. Some places have formal auditions other hold shed/jam sessions as part of their fellowship and you just jump in until you are ask to play a service. Besides that going to a smaller church (assuming larger ones will already have a band in place) which needs musicians is the other option.

While being in a band might not sound like it should be the primary reason to choose a church, being in a place able to use the gifts you are in a unique position to provide is. Non musical church workers are often assigned that way.

 

You have been practicing with a metronome? Very good. Lets get you into the rotation.

 

Just move to Alabama. CL is lousy with folks looking for people to form P&W bands.

 

As someone who plays bass in a small church, with no current backup.... sometimes looks can be deceiving. When I first attended mine there was one bassist there every week, he was good friends with the rest of the band. My line of thought was "oh he is always here having a good time, I would be taking his playing time to volunteer". In reality, which I found out once he left abruptly, was that the guy was getting burnt out. Also that historically they had had trouble keeping a bassist so were surprised I was willing to show up every week once I got rolling with them.
A prior church of mine in another state did not have multiple bassists but i noticed seemingly countless guitarists rotating in and out every week when there was only one Sunday service. I was told in confidence that most were only up for playing infrequently or could not be relied upon to play in a lead capacity. So they played when they felt like it essentially and it worked for the most part, however I am sure they would have liked fewer players that could commit to playing more frequently and consistently.
I second everyone here who has already suggested talking to the music leader. Their response will tell you far more than you can assume or speculate.

 

You should check with those in charge. A few of people playing bass at my church are actually guitar players recruited to play bass since no bass players were available...ask about getting in the rotation, you never know, maybe a few of those guys would rather be playing guitar?