The Music Ministry is always excited to welcome new members! Experience with a group is not necessary. Let us tell you about our Vision, Structure, Standards, and Selection Process for joining the Music Ministry.

VISION

The vision of the Music Ministry focuses on the first part of the church vision, which is to BE CONNECTED to God.

We accomplish this by: 1) passionately and skillfully ministering to the Lord in song, 2) establishing an atmosphere conducive to congregational worship, 3) supporting the Pastor by submitting to the vision God has given him for the Music Ministry and for each particular worship service, and 4) being available to minister at other events outside the normal weekly worship service(s).

STRUCTURE

The Music Ministry consists of the Choir and the Band, under the direction of two Music Ministers.

The Choir is miked as a group. Choir members are appointed and rotated as “Frontline” singers at the discretion of the Music Ministers. Frontline singers are miked individually for lead singing, vocal referencing for the choir, and extra volume control for mixing.

STANDARDS

Spiritual Requirements:

Music Ministry members must 1) have a relationship with Jesus Christ, with a commitment to personal growth, 2) be committed to the vision of Cornerstone Community Church and its Pastor, 3) be teachable, submitting to the authority of the Pastor and the Music Ministers, 4) maintain the unity of the Music Ministry and the church leadership, and 5) be prepared to minister at their scheduled time, setting aside any mental or emotional distractions.

Technical Requirements:

Choir members must be able to maintain pitch, rhythm, and harmony while blending with others.

Band members must 1) be at or above an intermediate level with their instrument, 2) be able to master a song of “average” difficulty within 14 days, whether playing by ear or by chord chart, and 3) be skilled in improvisation if that is their designated role, such as a lone saxophonist.

SELECTION PROCESS

Since Christians are most effective when serving in the Body of Christ as God has gifted them, selection for the Music Ministry is through a 4 step audition:

1.Submission of a Music Ministry Registration Form to the Music Ministers.

This lets us know of your interest. We’ll contact you to schedule a vocal/instrumental demonstration. (Singers should select a musical track for the demonstration.)

Signing the registration form’s Review Statement simply means that you’ve read this pamphlet. People feel more comfortable during an audition when they know what to expect.

2.Vocal/Instrumental Demonstration and Evaluation.

This is a skill level assessment by a Selection Team comprised of the Music Ministers and up to two other individuals. No feedback is given during this step. The Selection Team meets afterwards to discuss their evaluations.

Singers will perform with a musical track of their own choosing to demonstrate pitch, tone, volume, breathing technique, and stage presence. You’ll then sing with present choir members to demonstrate blending, harmony, and vocal part retention.

Instrumentalists will be led through a series of musical exercises to assess their skill level (chords, rhythm, tempo, dynamics, etc.), style versatility, and retention.

3.Interview.

During this time, we’ll give you feedback on your demonstration. We may also use this time to ask questions about your spiritual walk, discuss Music Ministry policies, and answer any questions you may have.

4.Decision.

Those selected for the Music Ministry will start attending practices and additional training, gradually phasing into singing regularly. Those who are not selected are welcomed to audition again after strengthening their skills. Regardless of your audition results, Cornerstone is committed to helping you get involved in the area of ministry that best matches your abilities and personality.

Thank you for your interest in Cornerstone’s Music Ministry! Please contact us if you would like to discuss the Music Ministry in more detail. God bless you!