'Ruts'
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'Routines' play an important role in our daily lives, but yet in order to keep out of boredom, and predictability, we have to keep thinking of newer and more creative ideas. It becomes the very essence of the human existence to have something new. The bible tells us, “Where there is no vision, the people perish...” Proverbs 29:18. Man being created in God's image, craves the ability to ‘create' new things, to do new things, in order to live. He who lives in a daily ‘rut' is just waiting to die, if not already dead.
©2004 Stephen Foong
author@gsus.biz
http://www.gsus.biz
New things don't come automatically either. There are some things that we can do in order to be more creative. Here are a few.
• Pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance, consistently 'getting in touch. I would expect every Christian to have this attribute, leave alone you who serve in this ministry.
• Have a library of songs, styles, experiences in the back of your mind. The only way to do that is to listen to all kinds of songs, styles, and try them out yourself during your own time (Not rehearsal time).
• And try not to limit yourself to ‘Hosanna Integrity' songs only.
• Practise specifically and regularly. Here are some areas; Timing, Scales, Styles, Rhythms, Techniques, etc.. etc..
• Worship, free style, on your own, during your quiet time. This is the best time to practise all of what you have been doing in point 1), 2) and 3)..
Please note that the above is not only for musicians, but also for the singers. You've got to look for new ways of singing. New styles, techniques. Work on your timing, and knowing scales your voice can achieve, will certainly help.
Lastly, I'd like to talk a bit on professionalism. A musician I work with once asked me whether she could skip a particular ‘rift' that the rest of the band was working on. In other words, “I'll just stop playing at that point.” Well, that's all fine to do there's nothing wrong with it. It's just that, you will get no where if you don't even try to go for it. Whenever I work with other people, especially if I'm worship-leading, I first let them play the way they are used to. And if I think they can do better, I will suggest some difficult parts, just to push them a little. If they can take it, I'll push a little more. And if you try, but still can't do it, then it's aright.
Playing with other church bands and musicians has taught me a few things. I must always try my best to achieve what the leader is trying to accomplish. I must be professional enough not to touch my instrument and make noise when I'm not suppose to. Only play what I'm suppose to, even if it's boring. Suggest when possible. Learn to take 'No' for an answer. And always attempt the difficult. I don't always manage to do all this, but I must always try to. It takes discipline (something I would like to have more of), and a broader perspective of things. In other words, vision. Of what's happening, and what I'm here for.
So in conclusion, if you're in a ‘rut', and you feel like you don't seem to be improving, then firstly, make sure you have the above 4 points intact.
Secondly, professionalism during practise will go a long way in making practises a more fruitful, and beneficial time.
And lastly, “GET OUT ON THE LIMB” and try, try, try. Attempt the difficult, and impossible. Like the saying goes, “If you aim at nothing, you're sure to get it.”
© 2004 Stephen Foong
Email : author@gsus.biz
http://www.gsus.biz
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