Before you audition: We want to make sure you know what Connections Church is about and encourage at least four weeks of Sunday service attendance prior to being eligible for audition. You are also encouraged to live a lifestyle of worship, as music ministry is an integral part of our worship experience, so we desire our worship team members to live a life of holy, Christ-like behavior. We are not looking for perfection, but we operate with excellence and purpose.
NOTE: We are an in-ears worship team. We also use click, guides, and backing tracks. If these are something new for you as a musician, please let us know, as you might want to come to a practice or two before the audition.
Song choice: Please see the list of 10 songs listed below to choose from upon scheduling an audition. You can select one of these songs and let Angy know which one you will be playing/singing.
Another In The Fire
Amazing Grace / My Chains Are Gone
Yes I Will
My Testimony
King of My Heart
Battle Belongs
Living Hope
Greater
See a Victory
Waymaker
Vocalists and musicians will be evaluated by Angy Montgomery (Worship Leader), Joseph Montgomery (team member and one of our pastors), and Spence Crisco (Technical Director).
We have a standardized grading system that is utilized in this process with six specific areas graded from 1 (needs improvement) to 5 (excellent). These areas are: Pitch, Tone, Vocal Quality, Stage Presence, Worship, and Attitude.
After your audition, you will be notified of a decision within a 7-day period with a summation of your scores and strengths as well as areas of observed improvement. Vocally, we have two opportunities: Lead Vocalists and Support Vocalists. These roles are not permanent as there is potential to perform both roles at the discretion of leadership. At Connections, we want an environment of open communication, teamwork, and respect for one another and those in leadership to have final say. This assures that the worship experience flows as smoothly as possible and limits distractions from God’s purpose.
Lead Vocals: We choose lead vocals based on audition scores/performance, time with the team, song choice, and vocal ability. The expectation is also that you will be open to learning harmonies and how to harmonize, as we have several tools and members who are capable of assisting. Many opportunities are given within our team for growth and learning with the application of practice as well as patience.
Attire: We have a relaxed worship environment and we reflect that on stage. Your personal style is encouraged to shine through, however, we ask that nothing you wear distracts from the service. No short skirts/dresses/shorts (two inches above knees is appropriate roughly), no cleavage or midriff, no basic flip flops. No tees with graphics that have cursing/drugs/drinking/racist/anti-religious/controversial representation. We do not expect anyone to dress outside their means, if you have any questions in this area, please do not hesitate to ask prior to service. If leadership notes anything that does not adhere to these expectations, we will privately address them.
Preparedness: It is expected that when you walk into run-through on Sunday morning, you have listened to all the music and acquainted/rehearsed yourself with it. You should know most of the lyrics and/or keys so we can have a quick and efficient rehearsal. Planning center is updated on Monday/Tuesday. If you are unable to prepare ahead of time for whatever reason, the order of service may have to be changed to ensure the worship experience goes smoothly.
Call Times: Our practices and run-throughs are important. Call times are to be adhered to. If we start practice at 7 p.m., the expectation is that you are there, loaded in, warmed up and ready to go at 7 p.m., not just pulling in the parking lot.
Spiritual Maturity: There is no room for ego within the presence of God. It can be fast-paced and intense at times, so please be prepared to accept and adapt with constructive criticisms or pointers given by leadership. As a team with many moving parts, adjustments and open-mindedness are paramount to the success of our team.
Flexibility: As with anything in real-time, last-minute changes are inevitable. Leadership expects this to be handled with openness and humility. Even the best-laid plans must bend to the will of God. This may look like last-minute song changes, songs being removed completely, or lead vocal changes. Also, you will be asked to help in other areas of strength as needed such as sound, pro presenter, etc. The expectation is the same level of eagerness is presented in all areas of service not just the most public ones.
Conflict: If there are any personal issues that arrive, we handle these biblically. If you can approach the person and deal with them directly, please do so. With different personalities, we can expect miscommunications and differences of opinion, but what makes the difference is how they are handled. If you cannot resolve the issue on a personal level, please bring the issue to Angy Montgomery.
Lifestyle: Please remember as a music ministry leader you are, to many attendees, the face of Connections Church. They will look to you for guidance, prayer, and as a role model. Be sure the life you are living is worshipful off stage, as well as on stage. If you are struggling in this area, please reach out. We are family and here to provide support however we can. Your relationship with God is dynamic and for every high there are lows just the same. We understand everyone is human, and we are here to help you grow not only musically, but in your spiritual walk as well.
Role Models: Being part of the Worship Team is a big deal. As we’ve said, you are the face of our church. When the set is over you should be in church, still leading those around you by your Godly example.
Different areas of service within the church: As worship leaders, we have the opportunity to help not only on stage but also within other areas of the church. Even though music/sound/lights/AV is our first passion, we have to be willing to assist in other areas. We do a lot of lateral training and will ask singers/musicians/team members to be willing to assist in other areas if needed and expect this to be done with an attitude of worship just the same. It’s not always about being seen, but making sure that the word of God is delivered to those that need to hear it.
We are so thankful for you and your involvement at Connections Church. We know God can do great things with a servant’s heart and a willingness to move towards his purpose.