Worship Ministry

Providence Rhythm Audition Information

The rhythm sections are a central component to how we do music at Providence. The rhythm section intersects just about every musical ensemble we offer. We do our best to provide clear communication, charts, planning, and technical support for our rhythm players.

Since we have a varying number of players per instrument, we do not have a set number of rhythm sections but rather individual players that rotate and sub for one another over the course of several weeks. The average rhythm player plays two of four weeks.

The time commitment involves Wednesday evenings and Sundays.

Wednesdays

Rehearsal begins at 6:30 p.m. From week to week the players will be told where they are needed. One week it may be in a small vocal group rehearsal before moving to the worship center for a service run through. Another week, the need may be with the orchestra from beginning to the end of the rehearsal. Typically, rehearsals last from 6:30-8:30 p.m., sometimes going a little later.

We try to plan our services several weeks in advance so that players can take advantage of preparing ahead of time. We have a tools available on our web site to allow everyone in the ministry team the ability to download pdf files of song charts and links to the iTunes music store to purchase and download the MP3s.

Sundays

Our normal Sunday morning call time is 7:00 a.m.. Occasionally, we meet at 6:45 a.m. if we did not have a rehearsal the Wednesday before (this happens frequently in the summer and in December). There are three morning services at 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. Currently we plan the same content for each service.

When we have a Sunday night service, call times are usually between 4:30 and 5:00 with the service starting at 6:00 p.m. Sunday night services are inconsistent in frequency. If there is a Sunday night service, it usually takes place on the first or third Sundays of the month. We often ask the AM band to return to play the PM services.

Auditioning

We would love to hear you play and see how you may be used to serve in the worship ministry! The audition process varies depending upon which instrument you play. Generally, we would like to audition you with other members of the band. This will give you a chance to meet them and give us a chance to hear how you interact musically in that context.

Below is a list of skill sets we are looking for in our players. No need to possess these before auditioning! We're all working to better ourselves musically in these ways. You should know, however, that these are the kinds of things we'll be listening for as you come to play.

Drummers/Percussionists:
  • Solid time keeper
  • Ability to play with click/loop
  • Basic ability to read charts. This includes rhythm charts as well as orchestral percussion
  • Stylistic flexibility
  • Musical interaction with the bass player, particularly with the kick
  • Command of the rhythm section: the ability to set up and lead the rhythm section musically and dynamically
Guitarists:
  • Ability to play in time
  • Ability to read rhythm (chord) charts
  • Comfortable in many keys and comfortable with capo transpositions
  • The ability to imitate a style or lick from a recording
Bass:
  • Ability to play in time
  • Ability to read bass clef as well as rhythm (chord) charts
  • Ability to match drummer's kick feel
Keyboardists:
  • Ability to play in time
  • Ability to read music (notes) and rhythm (chord) charts
All parts:
  • Teachability
  • Flexibility
  • Punctuality

If you're ready to take the next step by auditioning, please download and complete this form, then contact Brian Megilligan (326-3000) to make an appointment.

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