David Santistevan encourages praise bands to play from memory.
When you hear the word “memorize”, you probably have one of two reactions.
- I can’t do that.
- Not a chance.
- There’s something about memorizing that is scary to us, but I don’t think it has to be.
We all know there is something good about it, right?
It helps us be more present in the moment.
It serves congregational worship by having a more prepared team.
It helps your rehearsals go smoother (if people practice).
It helps move the music from a math equation to art.
It’s a powerful tool for maturing your musicians.
As worship musicians, it helps us engage in worship more.
It also means we don’t have to kill as many trees or purchase a handful of expensive iPads.
Win win, right?
I am on a quest to obliterate the music stand from our worship teams. We’re fully there at one campus, and almost there at our second. For many worship leaders that I talk to, this is a scary transition.
You can’t just announce this and expect it right away. The musical accuracy would most definitely suffer. You might have a revolt.
That’s why you need a transition plan.