VISION

Musical Expectations

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BASS GUITAR

 

Bass players are required to learn the notes, patterns and feel as they are on the recordings. They are expected to have a quality instrument (Fender, Lakland, Music Man or comparable) with excellent tone. Excellent tone has as much to do with equipment as it does the technique employed by the instrumentalist. Four fingers should be used on the fretboard as well as at least two fingers on the right hand in plucking the strings. Volunteers are expected to learn the parts as they are on the recordings provided while showing the ability to play not only in time with the click, but to actually help create the pocket with the drummer. Each instrumentalist should, at a minimum, have an inline tuner.

 

Volunteers must be proficient in reading charts written in the format of the Nashville Number System as well as be able to memorize the music for each set.

 

Instrumentalists must own their own IEM’s (in-ear monitors). Brands such as Shure, 1964, or Westone are preferred however costly. Also acceptable are KZs which cost between twenty and sixty dollars depending on the model on Amazon. They can function as a good interim step towards the higher priced models if needed. (Note: When ordering, choose the stereo cable option that does not have a microphone for phone usage)

 

ELECTRIC GUITAR

 

Electric guitarists are required to learn the actual parts of the versions of the songs we do while matching the tones and effects for each part as they are on the recordings. We love the unique and personal expression of each individual player; however, here are some basic guidelines or standards to meet and follow in order to fit within and contribute to the Hope Worship Collective sound.

 

Volunteers must be proficient in reading charts written in the format of the Nashville Number System as well as be able to memorize the music for each set.

 

THE GUITAR

 

The player should first and foremost have a good quality guitar.

 

The sound and style of the Guitar should contribute to the diverse and dynamic style of playing expected from the player. Guitar brands such as Fender, Gretsch, Gibson, Duesenberg, reverend, and Veritas, are a few examples of Guitar manufacturers that offer a wide variety of great sounding guitars. Guitars such as Schecter, Ibanez, Dean, ESP, and others like these, although great for their perspective styles, will not work well for what we do.

 

The quality of the Guitar is as equally important as the sound, if not more. A reliable and great playing guitar that is well set-up helps prepare the player to be more reliable and consistent. HWC is not just looking for great tone but consistent tone and playing. One of the biggest reasons great players can be inconsistent is because of poor quality guitars, so don’t overlook this key element!

 

AMPLIFIERS

 

There is nothing like the sound of a warm tube amp! It is important to round out the electric tone with a good quality amp. Because our room is smaller, we are unable to run the amps on stage. We have the capabilities to run the amp off stage with minimal latency so this would be expected should you bring your own amp. 

 

Alternatives to live amps are acceptable. The Strymon Iridium or the DSM & Humboldt Simplifier are our top picks!

 

GUITAR PEDALS

 

Even great pedals will not sound good through lower quality guitars and amps, but with quality amps and guitars they can make all the difference in the finer tunings and crafting of your tone.
Multi effects processors such as the line 6 pod, or the Boss “ME” series, and others like these, will not work well for what we do. Effects units such as these do not contain the quality of sound, nor the ease of flexibility for “on the fly” tone shaping that is needed for what we do.

Individual stompboxes can be pricey, but in the long run, the investment is worth the initial cost. Many companies make great effects, but here are a few examples: brands such as Strymon, JHS, Walrus Audio, Eventide, Cmat-mods, Xotic effects, TC Electronics, Mathews Effects, Electro Harmonix, even some from Boss, Digitech, and MXR, can do wonders for your pedal board and tone.

 

We have had great success with the Line 6 Helix. This will need to be assessed individually if this route is chosen. 

 

Instrumentalists must own their own IEM’s (in-ear monitors). Brands such as Shure, 1964, or Westone are preferred however costly. Also acceptable are KZs which cost between twenty and sixty dollars depending on the model on Amazon. They can function as a good interim step towards the higher priced models if needed. (Note: When ordering, choose the stereo cable option that does not have a microphone for phone usage).

 

DRUMS

 

Drummers are expected to learn groove patterns/maps from the recordings and be flexible to change the parts if asked to do so. We emphasize simple, musical playing with an aggressive approach and a high emphasis on consistency. This refers to a consistent hitting technique throughout each song, consistent groove patterns through each section, and consistent timing. Drummers are expected to be able to play tightly to a metronome for the entire worship set.

 

A kit and hardware are provided, but volunteers are welcome to bring their own high-quality snare and cymbals. High quality snares include maple, birch, brass, steel, and bronze with properly tuned heads. Although subjective, a $50- $150 snare will generally fall below the requirements of a high-quality snare.

 

Cymbals should generally be dark in tone and larger in size. For instance, 16” - 20” Zildjian A Custom or Sabian AAX crashes/rides are too bright, so we have trouble controlling them in the mix due to all of the vocal mics on stage. K dark, K Constantinople, Heartbeat or similar sounding cymbals made by other companies are acceptable.

 

Drummers may be expected to run all clicks and tracks from the provided laptop/iPad using Ableton Live or other application. We are happy to help educate any new drummers on running clicks and tracks.

 

Volunteers must be proficient in reading charts written in the format of the Nashville Number System as well as able to memorize the music for each set.

 

Instrumentalists must own their own IEM’s (in-ear monitors). Brands such as Shure, 1964, or Westone are preferred however costly. Also acceptable are KZs which cost between twenty and sixty dollars depending on the model on Amazon. They can function as a good interim step towards the higher priced models if needed. (Note: When ordering, choose the stereo cable option that does not have a microphone for phone usage)

 

KEYS/PIANO

 

Piano/keys players are welcome to bring their own laptop (A powerful MacBook) and run (at the very least) Main Stage; however, Ableton Live, Omnisphere, and Alicia’s Keys are encouraged and preferred. Players must keep up to date sounds/patches.

 

Players are expected to learn the parts from the recordings, play the proper voicings and be flexible to change things if/as needed while consistently working with the guitarists to occupy the right frequency ranges. (If there is a piano player and a keys player – work together to determine parts and patches)

 

Volunteers must be proficient in reading charts written in the format of the Nashville Number System as well as memorize the music for each set.

 

Instrumentalists must own their own IEM’s (in-ear monitors). Brands such as Shure, 1964, or Westone are preferred however costly. Also acceptable are KZs which cost between twenty and sixty dollars depending on the model on Amazon. They can function as a good interim step towards the higher priced models if needed. (Note: When ordering, choose the stereo cable option that does not have a microphone for phone usage)

 

 

VOCALS

 

Vocalists are joining a team, an ensemble of singers with a shared goal of learning and creating a cohesive sound and becoming one unified voice for congregational worship. Vocalists are therefore expected to remain flexible and receptive to further coaching and direction from appropriate leadership.

 

As instructed, vocalists should be able to read or follow along with written vocal parts and harmonies as well as listen to and blend with other vocalists. In order to continue to serve as a part of any platform worship team, all vocalists may be required to attend vocal rehearsals (as scheduled) for vocal training, ensemble singing, and team building.

 

Vocalists must own their own IEM’s (in- ear monitors). Brands such as Shure, 1964, or Westone are preferred however costly. Also acceptable are KZs which cost between twenty and sixty dollars depending on the model on Amazon. They can function as a good interim step towards the higher priced models if needed. (Note: When ordering, choose the stereo cable option that does not have a microphone for phone usage)