Other Resources
Sounds Good II Schedule
| SOUNDS GOOD II | A Youth Room |
B Cove |
C Sanctuary |
D Gymnasium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00–9:15 | Registration/coffee | |||
| 9:20–10:45 | The Basics, Part One Leader: Bucky Driedger |
Everything you wanted to know about EQ Leader: Elliot Filbert |
Working with Presentational Technologies Leaders: Steve Dick, Marni Enns |
Lighting Facilitator: Carl Bittner |
| 10:50–11:10 | Coffee break | |||
| 11:15–12:15 | The Basics, Part Two Leader: Bucky Driedger |
Working with Microphones Leader: Elliot Filbert |
Acoustics/Ease Modelling Leader: John Loewen |
Lighting: Hands-on Facilitaor: Carl Bittner |
| 12:20–1:20 | Lunch | |||
| 12:20–2:25 | Analogue vs. Digital Leader: Ian Skrabek |
Working with Worship Bands Facilitators: Ben Harapiak and John Loewen |
Working with Video Leader: Chuck Croker |
|
| 2:30–3:15 | Panel discussion with workshop leaders and others | |||
Workshop Descriptions
The Basics, Parts One and Two (Bucky Driedger) – If you are new to the world of sound technology, these workshops are for you! We will cover basic terms and equipment used in sound technology. Attendees will also learn how to properly deal with gear, work on basic set ups as well as determine sound needs for events. We will attempt to do as much hands-on learning as possible. The best way to learn how to do sound is to do sound!
Lighting (Carl Bittner) – This workshop will cover a wide variety of topics related to church lighting: from traditional, functional lighting to “experiential” lighting, and from conventional fixture veterans to the flashy new LED superstars. We’ll consider such things as infrastructure, power, aesthetics, fixture options, and control options. Part two of this workshop will offer an informal setting for hands-on experimentation and discussion.
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about EQ (Elliot Filbert) – A sound technician's ability to EQ an audio input can be a tremendous tool! With proper use one can tame a shrill electric guitar, smooth out a nasally voice, and conquer dreaded feedback problems. However, it can just as easily have the opposite effect, and so many sound technicians use it as little as possible in order to not take the chance (or the blame). This workshop will explore the world of equalization: how to properly utilize EQ controls, how to optimize the frequency balance of voices and instruments, and how to properly blend instruments together in the mix. Elliot will be joined by a live worship band to offer first-hand demonstrations.
Working with Presentational Technologies (Steve Dick and Marni Enns) – If you’re still using PowerPoint in worship, this workshop is for you! We’ll be exploring two of the primary presentation software programs available for churches: EasyWorship and ProPresenter. We’ll spend some time looking at their features and try setting up a presentation for a typical Sunday morning. Our goal is not to sell you on one or the other, but rather help you understand your congregation’s needs, and give you examples of what each of these excellent software programs can do.
Working with Microphones (Elliot Filbert) – This workshop will explore the unique features of different microphones, and will offer suggestions for their proper placement and use.
Acoustics and Audio System Design (John Loewen) – One half of a great sounding PA system is the room that it’s in. You can throw a lot of money time and effort at making a PA system great, but if it’s fighting the room it’s installed in, much of your effort will be wasted. We will be going over some of the design tools and services that are available through professional acoustics and amplified audio system designers, as well as some simple DIY solutions that you can implement yourself. We’ll also discuss some basic guidelines and debunk some popular myths.
Analog vs. Digital (Ian Skrabek) – Are you faced with purchasing a new mixing console but don’t know whether to stick with a tried and true analog mixer or venture into the unknown world of digital? We will explore the pros and cons of both systems that will help you make an informed decision.
Working with Video (Chuck Croker) – This workshop will address issues related to video production in the church, including IMAG. We’ll touch on a variety of approaches to video streaming, and explore what’s most important in your video ministry.
Working with Worship Bands (Ben Harapiak and John Loewen) – The relationship between sound reinforcement technicians and musicians can be a tricky one. Both are striving for the best congregational experience and engagement, and both are striving for musical excellence. However, depending on which side of the microphone one is on, one will approach this responsibility differently. This workshop will discuss how sound technicians and musicians can work together as a team in order to pursue excellence and best serve their congregations.
Workshop Leaders and Organizers
John Loewen – John is Design and Integration Division Manager at Sound Art Winnipeg, responsible for designing A/V systems for large scale applications such as churches, arenas and schools. He brings a unique set of skills and perspectives to the Sounds Good! event. He studied jazz and commercial music at the Grant MacEwan School of Music in Edmonton, graduating with a double major in Jazz Improvisation and Recording Engineering. He has extensive experience working live events, including two years in logistics support with Trans-Siberian Orchestra. He also has many years of experience working in the context of worship, including work with Jon Buller, and “Saturday Night” events. John is also active in his home congregation, Southland Church in Steinbach, MB.
Chuck Croker – Chuck began as a volunteer at Church of the Rock (a multi-site church), and is now Technical Director there—a job he has held for the past eight years. He is responsible for overseeing all technical operations including audio, video and lighting. Chuck studied broadcasting and worked in broadcast television with Shaw TV for 10 years. Chuck is passionate about the church, and glad to be able to use his gifts in ministry.
Steve Dick – Steve has been a part of Eastview Church since 1994, as its first full time youth pastor, church council member and moderator and, since 2009, its worship pastor. His passion for music, worship, and the local church have been encouraging to Eastview and beyond in helping people recognize that Worship is much more than just singing, but rather Worship is a Lifestyle. Steve has been married to Regina for 23 years. They have three children.
Bucky Driedger – Bucky has been involved in Manitoba’s music community for the past decade, performing with many bands. His current project, Royal Canoe, has toured tirelessly all over the world, been nominated for a JUNO and received critical acclaim. Bucky graduated from Canadian Mennonite University in 2005 with a degree in Communications & Media and returned to teach a Sound Technology class between tours.
Ian Skrabek – Ian has over 30 years’ experience in live sound and production, including studio recording, audio for TV music shows, festivals, corporate events, and tours. He has worked in a wide range of venues, from churches and smaller clubs to stadiums and arenas. For the past eight years he has been Project Manager at Sound Art Winnipeg, where his responsibilities include sales and support, system planning and design, and overseeing the installation and commission of audio, video and lighting systems. Ian also has experience in video production/editing and event production.
Elliot Filbert – Elliot has many years of experience working with live sound and sound equipment. He began his career in electronics and electronic gear repair. He has worked thousands of shows in every major venue in Winnipeg (West End Cultural Centre, Burton Cummings Theatre, the Garrick Centre, etc.), including seven years as host technician at the Park Theatre. His services continue to be in much demand, and he is highly respected by those who have worked with him.
Ben Harapiak – Ben Harapiak has served Associate Pastor of Worship and Middle Years at North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren Church since 2009. Although he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Politics from the University of Winnipeg, his heart led him into worship and youth ministry where he is continually sustained by God’s leading and strong coffee. He previously served at Camp Cedarwood (Youth for Christ) for 14 years, logging hundreds of hours behind a sound board as part of his responsibilities.
Marni Enns – Marni is the Associate Pastor of Worship at Elmwood Mennonite Brethren Church in Winnipeg. She is well known in Winnipeg classical music circles as a soprano soloist and member of the Winnipeg Singers, Canzona and Encore Vocal Quartet. Marni is married to Rob and they have three young daughters.
Carl Bittner – Carl has been a professional stage-hand for 37 years, working in many churches along the way. He has a BSC in mechanical engineering from the University of Alberta, and an BComm (honours) from the University of Manitoba. He was General Manager of Stagelite Manitoba Ltd. for 12 years, and is currently self-employed with CB Audio Visual Services (sales, installations, and consultation).
Christine Longhurst – Christine Longhurst has spent most of her life involved in worship. She’s studied, taught, pastored, planned, led, blogged, and written about it for 30 years now, and still finds much to learn. She’s currently on faculty at Canadian Mennonite University, teaching in the area of worship and worship music. She also maintains a blog for worship leaders and leads workshops on worship in congregations across Canada.
Printed from: www.cmu.ca/community/resources/soundsgoodschedule