It was Benjamin Franklin who coined that phrase. Not a bad bit of advice for the folks who started this country and for people today. Especially for house of worship sound mixer types (I know there weren't any back in Bens' day) during the holiday season. But maybe he should have said; "God helps those who ask for help."
Holiday Pressures
The point and purpose of this months' column is to give you some advice on how to deal with the additional pressures that nearly always come with the holidays. For myself, I will be working with three churches this season. Most of you volunteers only have your home church to deal with, but I am guessing that you will have lots of additional responsibilities and be asked to invest more time into your house sound duties.
For those of us that use our spiritual mixing skills as part or all of our income, the responsibilities can be even greater. This is a wonderful time to make some additional cash but some simple rules must be kept. Especially if you don't want to lose your mind – or health, for that matter.
Simple Rules
Rule #1: My first rule is that if I am working for more than one house of worship, I let the different houses know about it. It will be easier for me to schedule rehearsals and even the actual events. By communicating early, I can very often set the rehearsal schedule myself. The obvious advantage is that I won't be double booking myself.
Rule #2: Never plan on mixing 2 rehearsals in the same evening – even if the times seem well separated. Let us say that one group is getting together from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and the next group doesn't start until 8 p.m. That may seem like plenty of time to make both rehearsals. However, the reality is that very often "church time" works on some mystical sliding scale that doesn't take into consideration actual clocks. Most of you know what I am talking about. For the rest of you, just trust me. One night, one rehearsal. It's that simple.
For those of us who work both in the secular and worship sound worlds, try to keep you're Fridays and Saturdays open. I know Christmas falls on a Friday this year, but there are other weekends – and many parties/events/shows – that happen at this time. So schedule yourself wisely, my friends. Besides, nobody wants to rehearse on a Friday or Saturday night. Maybe a Saturday morning or afternoon.
Also, this may not fall under the category of a "rule" but please take extra care of you physical body.
I know that there is generally a very wide chasm between sound techs and nutrition, but if you ever intend on taking vitamins and eating right, now is the time. Besides, a large coffee and a jelly filled donut or a cheeseburger, greasy fries and a Coke are not recommended to ward off that pesky swine flu that is going around along with all the other seasonal viruses.
Anyway, back to some of my rules and or suggestions.
Rule #3: Do not overbook yourself. Just say "no" if you are unable to make an event.
I love this type of work (as I know you do). I believe that, as sound techs, we are a positive influence in the community of God. I also happen to enjoy cash.
That said, know what you are committing to. Usually I am hired for my own personal mixing skills. That means the house of worship/client expects to see me behind the board – not a substitute.
Once I commit to a church, it is really not ethical for me to try to squeeze in another show just for the sake of money. That falls in the category of greed, and I believe that is one of the deadly sins.
Most of you volunteers are driven by a desire to serve, a responsible nature, and you just like mixing live worship music. However, sometimes, when volunteers are asked to overbook themselves – that is to say, they are asked to commit to more time and rehearsals evenings than they feasible can – guilt about how much they are serving the Lord, rather than good sense, can get in the way of their decision-making process or their ability to say "no."
As I said earlier, "God helps those that ask for help." This is a good time to ask for some help – even if it only means someone sets the stage up before you get there. If you are going straight from your day job to your church, you need all the help you can get.
This year I have two Christmas Eve events. Last year I booked three. I am learning to use my time wisely and not abuse it. Sometimes I am simply unable to be two places at once.
Rule # 4: Which leads me to my forth and finale rule; go easy on yourself. This is a season where good will and general kindness is at the top of the list. So be kind and have some good will towards yourself. By the time you read this, my holiday events will all be booked. I will spend additional time this year with my family and friends, even if it means I miss out on a few dollars or don't catch my mid-week church service. The idea is to celebrate the season, not burn out on it. By following a few simple rules, I will enjoy myself more and I won't feel like I am letting anyone down.
I am personally celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. For me and a whole lot of people, it's a huge birthday party. If your house of worship believes something different, that's fine with me – I am a sound man, not an evangelist. I really don't care what others believe; but I do care that you do a good job and have fun doing it. Just know your limitations and stick to your schedule. Don't forget to save enough time and energy to open any gifts that Santa Claus may leave you. See ya next year.
