The Technical Director
- Serving God & Man
Ongoing training for all
tech volunteers in the correct procedures for operating all audio / video
equipment is vital to glitch free events. Make sure that everyone has a
copy of the owner’s manual to each piece of equipment. Take the time to
discuss, demonstrate and permit hands on use of each piece of gear. Whether
you string cables, hang mics or mix the sound, everyone should have some
working knowledge of the entire sound system. Cross training is important
and beneficial to everyone involved. It is helpful to develop and document
a system and checklist to ensure that the tech systems are operated properly
and to your standards of technical excellence at all times.
To avoid burnout, regularly
rotate staff so that everyone enjoys serving. Solicit their involvement
well in advance for special events, holiday services, concerts, etc. Pastor
the volunteers working with you. If your team can't logistically meet with
the worship team for prayer before a worship service or other event, pray
with your team before services. Consider expanding your technical team
into a bible study or other group, which can inspire one another in their
spiritual growth.
System maintenance is critical!
Keep the production booth clean and straightened up. Also, ensure that
you have an adequate supply of batteries for wireless microphones, duct
tape, audio tapes (cassette, DAT etc), spare connectors for all types of
audio cables, bulk wire for building cables, headphones, headphone boxes,
mic stands, boom arms, mic clips, and other items. Maintain all audio,
video and lighting gear in proper working condition. Remember to include
equipment in the main auditorium, children's ministry, and all other ministries
that require the use of technical support systems, including portable systems.
Do regular preventative maintenance checks on all tech support gear and
regular listening tests of all loudspeaker systems. Test, then fix or replace
broken mic cables, speaker cables, MIDI cables, guitar patch cords, coax
cables for wireless mic antenna connections, and other necessary stuff.
Test your VCR, and video projectors well in advance of the service. Troubleshooting
video problems often takes longer and results in significant solutions.
Regularly clean and degauss all audio cassette decks, videotape decks,
and duplicators. As the technical director you should take a copy of the
duplicated tapes and listen to them during the week to make sure that quality
standards are being met.
Continue >>>