PROGRESSIONS

This month we're going to talk about Good Sound Sense.  About 15 years ago, our church musicians thought that they had to turn the volume of their instruments as loud as it could go in order for people to hear them.  During that time, I was a part of the Junior Deacons who sat near the drum set and the Leslie (a famous speaker for the Hammond Organ).  I remember leaving service with my ears ringing.  I was also a choir member.  I recall the choir having to scream at the top of our lungs because we couldn't hear ourselves over the music.

As fate would have it, I became a musician a few years later.  I quickly noticed that I started to do the same thing that I'd noticed about musicians in the past.  I began getting the tap on the shoulder from various people in the church "can y'all turn the music down some?"   "Sure.. "I would reply embarrassed.  However, I began to ask myself, ”why is this happening?” This didn't used to be a problem for me.   What could have changed?  There are several factors that may be contributing to the problem.  Let's name a few.  1.  The lack of an experienced sound woman or man - If you are a musician, you should have someone to assist you with a sound check.
However, keep in mind that people absorb sound.  So if you conduct a sound check before people are present (like in most cases), you will need someone to continue to monitor the sound.  Don't forget to keep eye contact every now and then.
   2.  Try to position the sound output system where it is not focused on one area.   Your local music instrument store may have contacts that can
assist you with setting up your sound.  Keep in mind that there may be costs associated with a sound consultant.
   3.  If you've been playing for a while, you have to keep in mind that your ears may have become less sensitive to volume levels.  I know that we all want to look cool and all… but don't rule out hearing protection (especially drummers).
   4.  Consider your audience - If you are playing in the midst of a crowd that has many seniors, then consider volume in your "plan of attack" (song choices).  Unlike it was 15 years ago, it is not uncommon for a small church congregation to have a decent sound system (if not one of the best in the city).  The thing to keep in mind is that most humans cannot compete with the volume of a screaming B3.  Some have tried, but usually the organ wins. If you are accompanying a vocalist, let the folks in the audience hear the words to the song by centering your playing around the vocalist (if the vocalist keeps singing off pitch/changing the key…  just stop playing. (Don't you love it when they look back at you as if you've done something wrong?)

We understand that sound environments aren't created equal. However, as musicians, let's attempt to make our playing more enjoyable by considering the sound affecting elements within your control and deploying good sound sense.