Music Team Audition

Thank you for your interest in serving on the City United Church Music Team! This page is to help you better understand the process of auditioning for City United's weekend Music Team, and some of the things we will take into consideration during the audition process. There are many factors that we consider when deciding whether or not a person is a good fit for the weekend Music Team, and truthfully, not everyone who auditions makes it. We know God will put you where He wants to use you most effectively, whether that’s on the music team or somewhere else! Here are some of the things we are looking for in team members. Please read through each one carefully! 

Are they godly, humble, and servant-minded? Do they have a heart for God, a love for His church, a robust knowledge of His word, and a vibrant, real walk with Christ? Are they committed to the City United family?

Do they have a high quality of musical ability? Are they highly efficient on their instrument? Are they quick to adapt to musical changes and readjust their parts, or are they rigid and inflexible? Do they play well with the team? Do they listen to what others are playing and find parts that fit and compliment? Do they play what serves the song, or just play what they want? Are they simple and tasteful in their parts, or are they busy and distracting? Are they “tight” and locked in with the drums and other players? How is their timing? Are they able to play with a Click Track (aka: metronome)? Are they able to play many musical styles, or just one?

For singers, how is their tone? How is their pitch? Can they sing harmony, or only melody? Singers who can sing harmony will be preferred over singers who can only sing melody (though that doesn’t mean that people who can only sing melody can’t make the team), as the former can serve two different roles and adds versatility to that week’s vocal team. 

Are they constantly trying to get better as a musician? Are they practicing their instrument regularly, weekly, or not at all? Are they relentlessly pursuing growth and excellence? Are they committed to City United Church and showing up to church regularly, even on weeks they aren’t playing? Are they willing to help the team in other ways besides playing? Are they willing to play in venues besides the weekend? Are they on time or early to rehearsals, or constantly late? Are they coming to rehearsals prepared with their parts learned and ready? Are they quick to fulfill obligations and duties of being on the team? Do they cancel last minute on weeks that they are scheduled? 

Are they willing to take coaching and direction? Are they willing to change parts based on the desires of the leader? How do they respond to on-the-spot coaching during rehearsal? Do they apply and implement the ideas presented in the training material?

Musically, do they mesh well with the current team members? Does their style of playing fit the style of the City United music team? Is their tone and style modern and cohesive with what we do at City United Church?

Relationally, do they get along with the other team members? Are they easy going? Do they cause drama? Are they fun to be around?

Are they a natural leader on the stage? Do they have a natural and expressive stage presence? Are they “into” the music when they are playing and leading? Do they express joy, passion, and worship naturally and in a non-distracting way? Or are they bored looking, passionless, and unengaged? 

Are they quick to respond to the Scheduling emails? Are they quick to respond to texts, phone calls, and church app chats? Do they complete required training on time? Do they text or call when they’re (occasionally) running late? If they have an issue, do they bring it up honestly and lovingly? 

That covers most of the things we are looking for when auditioning new team members. We hope you find this information helpful as you begin down this process.

After a week or two of preparing the songs listed above, you may schedule an Audition Meeting with me. If you are female, Jaelyn, our Worship Admin will be joining us. I will do my best to have everything ready for the audition, as long as you give me enough time in advance to prepare. After the audition, we will talk about next steps.