If you’re a performing musician, serve in a house of worship, or are preparing for a big gig, this article will guide you on how to conduct an effective stage rehearsal. By following these steps, you can minimize the problems that may arise during your performance, some of which you may not be aware of.
1. Set Up
Before the rehearsal begins, the audio team should have already prepared and wired the stage. As a courtesy, it’s helpful for musicians to arrive early and assist with setting up. Setting up a stage is labor-intensive and time-consuming, so if you’re a drummer, it’s especially important to come early to set up and tune your drums, as you are the only one who knows your instrument’s settings. This applies to all other musicians as well.
2. Line Check
This step ensures that all audio inputs are correctly connected to the respective mixer channels. The crew can usually perform this step without the presence of musicians, but for instruments like guitars, basses, drums, laptops, drum machines, or D.I. boxes, it’s more challenging without their respective instruments. If musicians are present, they can provide a sound source to aid in line checking. However, it’s essential to note that a line check is not the same as a sound check. Once the signal is available, musicians should stop playing to allow the engineer to check another line.
3. Sound Check
During the sound check, the sound engineer will EQ your sound, starting with the drums. Each drum, toms, and cymbal will be EQ’d differently based on personal preference, environment, and musical style. At this point, the drummer is usually asked to hit the drums to allow the engineer to tune them. It’s polite for other musicians and singers to wait for their turn, as making noise by playing your instruments will only interrupt the engineer’s work. Once your turn comes, make sure your sound settings are correct. Drums and guitars usually require more time than keyboards.
Don’t be afraid to sing out loud during sound check
– Poven
4. Monitor Mix
For most stages, line checking and sound checking will be repeated for stage monitors. This is to ensure that musicians and vocalists can hear their sound correctly with adequate volume. It’s easier if a musician can communicate with the sound engineer to request their preferences. For example, if you want your monitor to be louder or softer, or if your sound is too muddy or sharp. Vocalists with mics can also help communicate on behalf of musicians who don’t have mics. Since the mixing console can be far from the stage, yelling may not be adequate. Remember, if musicians and singers don’t express their preferences, the engineer will never know.
5. Mixing
Now it’s time to play. At this point, the engineer will mix all the sounds that come into the mixer. Musicians and vocalists must play and sing at full volume so that the engineer can mix their sounds correctly. If you hold back your volume, the engineer will not be able to mix your sound properly. During this step, the band should focus on fine-tuning their sound, ensuring that their monitor is well-mixed, and making sure they can hear themselves and others. If any issues arise, this is the time to raise your hand and request any necessary fine-tuning.
6. Professionalism
A professional band takes very little time to soundcheck. It’s essential not to wear yourself down during a long rehearsal and then become tired during the performance. To perform at your best, it’s essential to give hand signals, play-through, remain silent when necessary, and play out at the right time. This not only helps the engineers but also other musicians and vocalists.
