Using The Buddy System
by Phil on Dec.30, 2009, under Blog
When you run sound on Sundays, do you show up before everyone else? There’s a lot to do! You have to turn the system on, fire up the lights, change the batteries, set out all the mics, check all the monitors, and try to find where the teens put the drummer’s sticks… Again. And then, if something does go wrong, like the pastor’s wireless having some serious interference, what do you do?? I know what you’re thinking though. You’re gonna tell me you couldn’t get anyone to show up early on Sunday mornings unless it was their turn on the audio rotation.
One of the reasons I advocate having two people for audio on Sundays is that you wouldn’t have to show up so early. When I first started in audio, we always had 2 people per assignment. One person was the decision maker and one was the assistant, but we were always on the same team, and we took turns at each role.
Some of the advantages of having two people per Sunday are:
• Two heads are better than one. You can help each other learn by discussing things like what frequncy that is feeding back during sound check.
• If something does need troubleshooting, you don’t have to delay the rest of the preparations. One person can run to get a new mic cable or change the wireless mic’s frequency, etc.
• The company can help the team members avoid burn out. This is a big factor.
• If one person does sleep in, run late, get sick or otherwise can’t make it, there is no need to scramble to find a replacement. Let it be known though that no one should be late without bringing an extra latte for their ‘buddy’. I prefer triple grande three-pump vanilla cappuccinos (non fat and light foam) personally.
Hopefully the mornings will run so smoothly you can relax and enjoy your audio Sundays even more now. There’s nothing that says the assistant can’t sit with the fam during the sermon or that you both have to cram behind the board. Having someone available though should an audio emergency strike, you’ll be glad you have a plan!
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I’ve been a little quiet online for December, but I’m ready for a great 2010. I’m looking forward to your facebook discussions, Twitter tweets, and blog comments. As always I’m looking for churches to host audio training workshops, and I’m working on planning a couple events. Keep tuned in!
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December 30th, 2009 on 3:50 pm
We have a similar system in place @kefc, yet there isn’t 2 people per position. We have our team leader that is in charge of overseeing everything, and then a person that is at each position (video, lights, audio). What will commonly happen in the early morning is our leader will show up early and will have systems powered up, (lights, computer, audio), then each of the people at their positions will show up and prepare the rest of the things needed for the morning. If one person is gone, sick, or has a problem, our team leader is able to jump in there and help. This has been a great setup for our smaller volunteer staff.
December 30th, 2009 on 4:13 pm
Can say the same here. I run audio typically Sunday mornings as well as Sunday evening. The other volunteer runs audio Wednesdays. Showing up early is a good habit I have. When I’m not in the hot seat, I’m within 15 feet of the audio loft ready to assist in any way I can when things out of the norm happen. Good topic.
December 31st, 2009 on 5:12 am
Good article.
The buddy system is also a good way to train new volunteers.
December 31st, 2009 on 1:57 pm
We use the 2-tech team when possible. I like to patch an experienced person with a tech-in-training or someone who works with the HS Youth team. The other route we sometimes take is to match someone with technical experience but not necessarily ears with someone with ears but who lacks the tech experience. So we end up with an audio engineer and a sound tech. (It’s sometimes hard to find a person who can do both, and this is helpful for techs when they get older and the ears aren’t what they used to be but the wisdom and experience is still there.)