Rules of Professionalism for the Church Sound Tech

In a recent email survey, several of you commented on the lack of professionalism you see in your volunteers.  I give you something to post in your sound booth…the rules of audio professionalism.

1. Always be early.  If you are on time for practice, you are late because people are now waiting for you to set up before they can practice.

2. Inform the tech director/head sound tech if you are running late or can’t make a service.  An added bonus…please call another sound tech to sub for you instead of dropping it in the lap of the tech director.

3. Follow the dress protocol.  If all sound tech’s are supposed to wear black shirts, then wear a black shirt.  Otherwise, wear what is standard attire for the congregation.  In the case of the “uber-relaxed-we-wear-sweat-pants” service, at least wear a shirt with a collar.  You are representing the church and to some extent, church leadership.

4. Focus on the service, not your cell phone, iphone, android, diet Coke, etc.

5. No friends / girlfriends / boyfriends in the sound booth.  The likelihood of distraction skyrockets and the results are not pretty.

6. Treat congregation member requests and comments with respect.  For example, if you are asked to turn the heat down, don’t say “I can’t do that.”  Instead, point them to someone who can help them or is better suited to deal with their request.

7. Treat musicians with respect.  Any issues should be dealt with so they are either amiably resolved or a compromise is reached and the topic is picked up after the service.

8. Serve the musicians.  You can’t mix a great service if they don’t have what they need.  This goes for monitor requests, equipment setup assistance and anything else they might need.

9. Study your craft.  Live audio production is a mixture of art and science.  You should constantly be working to improve.  The sound booth is not the place for a complacent attitude.

10.  Respect the instruction and leadership of those over you.  This includes the pastor, the worship pastor, the technical director, etc.

Ultimate Rule to Follow: 11. The purpose of audio production, as far as the congregation is concerned, is to create the best worship environment possible.  You are producing music for the glorification of God.  Measure your actions and motives against this.

Question: What would you add to this list?