pro·fi·cien·cy

"So then, dear brothers and sisters, be firm. Do not be moved! Always be outstanding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."

So I was talking with one of my friends the other day named Jeff Boriss (One r, two s's). Jeff is the Director of Arts at Community Christian Church (CCC-Yellow Box), in Naperville, IL and helps to oversee all things arts at each of CCC's 12 campuses. Jeff told me of a list that he put together for each musician on his worship team, outlining the key proficiency requirements that he expects each of them to work towards mastering.

I read the lists and felt it was too good to hide it under a bushel basket, so with permission, below is the complete list, in Jeff's own words, for all to peruse.

If you feel intimidated by a couple items on the list because you are not quite where you need to be, rest assured that you are in good company. I myself have some work to do, as soon as I finish this post.

High five!

Mike



Awesome!
We are excited that you've expressed some interest in being a part of the Musical Arts at Community Christian Church | YB. Below , we've outlined a few things that we've learned are really important for the role of a musician. Don't worry though, you don't have to have all of these on day-one, but these are the skills that will help make the experience the best for you and us.

Worship Lead
1. knowledge of major and minor scales
2. knowledge of major and minor chords including all barre chords (multiple positions preferred)
3. an understanding of the role of lead within the context of worship
4. an understanding of effects & their ability to "color" and create emotion
5. the ability to play many different styles of music
6. a sharing attitude
7. rhythmically solid in both 4/4 and 6/8
8. quality gear

Performance & Lead
1. pitch accuracy
2. a unique or exceptional vocal tone
3. a very expressive and emotional ability
4. the ability to embellish and improvise the melody line
5. great stage presence
6. ability to be a team player

Rhythm Electric & Rhythm Acoustic
1. knowledge of major and minor chords including all barre chords (multiple positions preferred)
2. an understanding of the role of rhythm within the context of worship
3. the ability to play many different styles of music
4. a sharing attitude
5. rhythmically solid in both 4/4 and 6/8
6. quality gear

Drums
1. the ability to play a consistent tempo
2. an understanding of the role of drums within the context of worship
3. an understanding of rhythms & their ability to "color" and create emotion
4. the ability to play many different styles of music
5. a sharing attitude
6. rhythmically solid in both 4/4 and 6/8
7. quality gear

Bass
1. knowledge of major and minor scales
2. an understanding of the role of bass within the context of worship
3. a firm understanding of rhythms
4. rhythmically solid in both 4/4 and 6/8
5. the ability to play many different styles of music
6. a sharing attitude
7. quality gear

Piano
1. knowledge of major and minor chords
2. an understanding of the role of piano within the context of worship
3. the ability to "vamp"
4. rhythmically solid in both 4/4 and 6/8
5. the ability to play many different styles of music
6. a sharing attitude
7. quality gear

Keyboard

1. knowledge of major and minor chords
2. an understanding of the role of keys (synth & effects) within the context of worship
3. the ability to "vamp"
4. rhythmically solid in both 4/4 and 6/8
5. the ability to play many different styles of music
6. a sharing attitude
7. quality gear

Choir
1. pitch accuracy
2. ability to be a team player

Background Vocals
1. pitch accuracy
2. the ability to improvise a harmony
3. the ability to blend with other vocalists
4. the ability to be a team player
5. stage presence