The backing tracks are primarily rhythmic, but I have suggested providing a specific monitor mix which has the rhythmic elements mixed higher, but not an outright click track. I don't have the individual elements for that, so I've suggested as a compromise strongly EQing the monitor mix to emphasise the most required elements. That will be what we'll do for next month's performance.
It's a learning experience for me as to what they need as whilst I've done mixing for live performance before, I haven't mixed for anyone with a click track. I did once use a click track (well, full drum machine) on a few occasions, but the on-stage volume was low in those instances whereas at the weekend the on stage volume, due to a number of loud acoustic instruments, very loud.
The PA had only green 'good signal' lights and red clip lights, but with the PA solidly in the green and never in the red I could just balance the acoustic instruments, although I need to revisit the gain structures a bit. Using slightly soiled IEMs at short notice (they could have used other ear pieces I guess) was based on my misunderstanding of what was on offer (i.e. not enough for the whole band) and panic in case the FOH wasn't enough.
I think IEMs would be a good choice in the sense that there is a level of ambient sound reduction going on (normally they wear earplugs anyway) so it means that monitoring of the things that do need onstage amplification in addition to the backing tracks won't be fighting against high onstage monitoring volume. However, there's a fair cost involved for an amateur group, and I am not sure how they'd hide the IEMs and not compromise the look of, or foul in, the fairly elaborate costumes.
I wasn't totally happy with the light show/video projection/audio production in the end even though the audience seemed to love it. But I have a month to fix issues.
