THE SHOW MUST GO ON
When performing live music, it took me a long time to realize that every performance is going to be different. For years, I would listen to polished up, super-mixed, remastered studio recordings and felt like I could never sound like the artists I so admired. It wasn't until I focused my attention on live concert albums that I realized that each performance is going to be different, beautifully flawed, and unique. I realized that even the greats have good days and bad days. As Christian musicians, we still want to put our best foot forward, but also remember that it is all for the glory of God. We aren't perfect.
Rarely do I play a song the same way twice. If I am doing covers, I can't help but put my own twist on a song. The energy of the crowd and the presence of the Holy Spirit will dictate how flashy I get, or how many innovative licks or mini solo's I weave into the fabric of a song. The atmosphere in the church will determine whether or not I extend a song, or end it early.
And yes, I make tons of mistakes. In fact, I make a mistake in some way shape, or form every time I get behind a keyboard or mike. They may be big or small, noticeable or unnoticeable, but it happens. I've forgotten words, hit bogus chords, or just flat out forgot parts of a song (in mid-song) in front of 100 people. I have hit the "off button" when I meant to hit the "drum fill-in button" on my keyboard. I have accidentally stepped on power supply cords, speaker cords, and microphone cords, disconnecting them all. I am a strong believer in the idea that your performance reflects how hard you practice. But as Mike Tyson once said, "Everyone has a game plan until they get hit in the mouth." When I practice, I practice to be as good as I can be, but I also practice contingency plans for when everything goes sideways. Here are some of the experiences I have had to deal with, and some of the ways I have prepared for them and overcame them:
PRACTICE EXACTLY HOW YOU PLAN TO PERFORM
Your performance will reflect on how hard you practice. Practice where everyone will be standing, and what moves will be made on stage. Everyone should know the setlist, what song is next, and how to get on or off the stage. If your crew or choir has little dance moves or choreographed movements, they should be done in earnest and fully committed to in practice. Practice hand signals to each other to signal when to stop a song early, or keep it going longer if the crowd gets into it. Don't try to take on too much. Work on one song at a time until it is ready for prime time before you move on to the next song. I recommend practicing together as a unit twice a week, 2 hours at a time, but each person in the choir or on the praise and worship team should practice their parts by themselves during the week. If you only think about the music when you come to practice or when you show up at church, it will be noticeable, just like if you only pick up a bible on Sunday and let it collect dust the rest of the week, there will be little room for growth or improvement. In prison, I only have access to the equipment if I am sent over to the school building, chow hall, or gymnasium (I have a keyboard stashed somewhere in all three places.) And during normal times, I have an opportunity to play about 5 days a week. But during lockdowns and quarantines, I have gone long stints without being able to touch an actual piano or keyboard. So I have created a life-size replica of a keyboard out of cardboard in order to practice for an hour a day so I stay sharp on old songs. I have also learned about 25 new songs during the pandemic using only sheet music and a cardboard keyboard. I have been able to get word to the choir and my other praise and worship team to let them know what I am working on so they can download songs onto their tablets or MP-3's so they can work on what I am working on in their rooms or cells. Communication and chemistry are key. And practices are where trying new stuff and making mistakes (to see what works) is encouraged.
PREPARE FOR DISTRACTIONS AND DISASTERS
It took me along time to be able to pay attention to what was going on around me while trying to stay totally focused on my playing or singing. Besides the deacons and preachers sitting behind me talking, even sometimes bickering quietly, or moving around, some would walk right up to me, put their hand on my shoulder and whisper a song request or some other command in my ear during mid-song...and not leave until they got an answer.
There have been heated arguments or even fist fights that have broke out during church, even arguments on stage with choir members. This has to be prepared for, too. So once my crew has a song locked in, I will make them sing it while I walk around them, in between them, yelling at them, trying to make them laugh and doing everything to throw them off...from deliberately singing the wrong words...anything to rattle them. When I practice, I allow them to do the same to me. Sometimes I would make my cellmate throw a clean, rolled up pair of socks at me while I practiced on the cardboard. Be ready for anything.
BE READY TO STEP UP
For every song you sing, there should be at least two people in your unit that can sing lead, in case someone quits, moves or is sick. Also, your team should also have alternate songs ready to go in the event that performing a certain song proves to be impossible. And in the event of total electrical or equipment failure, instantly be ready to go a cappella. Have a hand-clapping, foot-stomping, fast-paced crowd pleaser ready (like "Soon and Very Soon," or "Jesus Is On The Mainline...")
The show must go on, and it will go on... especially when you let the Holy Spirit lead. Stay prayed up.