How can you develop consistent excellence across your technical staff? I have found that most churches have designated audio, designated video and designated lighting technicians that are not “cross-platform” compatible. They specialize in their specific field and dare not cross the border into the space next door. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a technician that could run audio, fill in on video and/or control the lighting cues when needed? Shouldn’t technicians who excel in one area know enough about other areas to fill the gap if needed? So, what is the key to developing consistent excellence across the tech spectrum? What would it take to break the status quo and create the capable “crossplatform tech”?
Lets take a look at the common ground shared by technical systems. Most technical systems include active devices that are connected in a chain-type configuration (signal path). Most technical systems include devices that are powered by standard walloutlet voltage (electrical fundamentals). Most technical systems communicate using a common language or signal (protocols and levels). All technical system functions are based on common fundamentals we tend to overlook in lieu of available, advanced technology. Therefore, we can reason that audio systems, video systems and lighting systems are merely a series of components, connected together, powered by electrical voltage, passing signals all for the sake of increasing audio levels, magnifying images (IMAG), and creating artistic “looks” or scenes that are pleasing to the eye and create emotion. These systems are similar in design and the key to developing consistent excellence across the tech spectrum begins with teaching the “basics”.
Our society is so advanced we tend to forget the basics. In lieu of this, we can’t see the trees for sake of the forest. A forest is simply a large group of individual trees. An audio, video or lighting system is simply a series of components connected together to form what we call a system. Many times we can’t see the basic because the complex blinds us.
Step One: Teach the Basics!
When trouble shooting a problem we must remember, it’s always something simple. How many times have we discovered the problem with the microphone was the fact it was plugged into the wrong input? How many times have we discovered the problem was “someone else” had pushed the wrong button on the channel strip preventing the signal from bussing to the main output? Step one is all about teaching signal path fundamentals. It is key to developing crossplatform capabilities.
Technical system components rely on the component(s) that are upstream in the signal path. How many times have you discovered the video projector was set for input #2 instead of input #1 or the switcher was unplugged? How many times have you discovered lighting circuit #1 was actually patched to dimmer #2? All technical systems are designed and connected in a chain-type configuration.
When we step back and think in basic terms and grasp the simple “chain” concept and signal path logic, we will begin to realize audio, video and lighting systems all function alike. When we think in basic terms, we will be less challenged or freaked out by those uncommon circumstances: trouble-shooting and venue changes. It’s always something simple! We must look for the tree and not be blinded by the forest. We will realize our systems are typically a number of smaller systems connected together to form the forest.
While the signal chains are similar, as humans, we tend to focus on the differences. Therefore, in order to develop consistent excellence, we must avail ourselves to training. Consistent technical excellence requires individuals with the desire to learn, and who are willing to commit the time to learn. But the church must also support the training effort by providing the proper resources. Technical training should be a budgeted item. Think of it in terms of investing in both your technicians and the ministry. This is especially true for the vast majority of churches that rely on part-time or volunteer technical teams, and yet expect smooth, professional results
Step Two: Build Consistency & Commitment
By nature, we don’t like change. We desire everything to remain constant in order to preserve and protect our comfort zones. I find it most interesting that most churches have a number of technicians, each specializing in their specific area, that rotate on a monthly, sometimes weekly schedule. No two audio engineers mix exactly the same. How can we begin to build consistency when we constantly change players? Step two in developing consistent excellence is to build consistency and commitment into the technical program. There isn’t anything wrong with having a number of technicians, however, we must take the time to train and build consistency. This means we must spend hours together practicing and rehearsing, striving to build a consistent mix (sound), look (lighting) and visual presentations (projected IMAG). Before consistency can grow, we must develop a foundation for commitment. Commitment is a matter of the heart. However, the commitment challenge comes with committing this extra time to develop the needed consistency.
It also involves committing to listen to one another. Music ministers want a sound technician with an “ear”; one who can hear the various tones, harmonics and pitch of the various program sources and how they fit together. Technicians want to work with music ministers who have a basic understanding of technical systems and can realize there are certain things that can and cannot be done. The key here is communication. This is a potentially volatile situation and a great place to start learning how to communicate. Be quick to listen and slow to speak (James 1:19).
Training and communication are keys to developing consistent excellence in the technical realm. We must be willing to provide the training required and communicate when working together. Technical training, knowledge and information are available from a wide range of sources. Sometimes it is free and sometimes it is not. Communicating requires a personal commitment to working together in pursuit of the common goal: excellence. When we develop these two areas of the technical ministry, we will begin growing a healthy forest and never lose sight of the trees.
