I play bace in one of the bands at church. I started out doing the 4th and 5th grade classes. But, due to the holidays and their special music, I got moved to the Chapel venue.

Sunday was to be my first appearance in the Chapel, but when I got to the Thursday night practice, Andy, the full time head music dude, told me that I was going into the main stage for Sunday.

This was a total surprise! Instead of playing 2 services in a venue of 200, I played 2 services in a venue of 1000. Unfortunately, I didn’t get any music in advance. Fortunately, they were playing Christmas Carols which I knew.

The main stage is different than the 3 venues. First of all, it is big. Oh sure, it’s not Leeds but it is huge compared to the other venues.  Next, they only have a couple of floor monitors. Instead, they opt for wireless ear buds. Fortunately, I had a floor monitor in front of me. I had enough to put me on overload without adding ear buds.

All and all, it went well. The sound guy told us that we sounded good and added that he doesn’t say that unless he means it. He also said that if someone is playing crappy, they don’t make it into the main mix. Since I could hear myself in the main mix, I guess that I was playing OK.

After the first of the year, I will go into the Chapel. It should be a little more relaxed.