Fusion 2007 – Day 2

What an awesome day!  I learned a great deal on the equipment side of things today.  I had a nice conversation with Karen Russell with inside sales for TRG.  I learned something new from a Leviton representative about adjustable ellipsoidal fixtures and what they have to offer in dimmer packs and controls.  I think I was finally sold on digital consoles today as well.  I had been thrust onto a M7CL console last spring and pretty much was able to use it like an analog board but Daniel Craik, Product Manager for Yamaha, took the time to show exactly what this baby was capable of doing.  I was hooked.  I know that my church is not ready for this kind of commitment but a LS9 is not out of the question.

Two sessions really stand out today. The first was the technical general session in which the speaker was Chuck Walthall who is a consultant, a professor and the author of Sound Made Simple.  Chuck spoke on the difference of hearing and listening.  To hear, all you need is ears but to listen you need the ear connected to the brain.  This session also covered the ground of listening to complaints about sound instead of dismissing them and listening to what vocalist, musicians and worship leaders are saying instead of not coming to a common ground of understanding.  He also used the scripture of James 1:19-20 which says that we should be quick to listen and slow to speak or become angry.  We’ve all been there.  That disconnect between the sound guy and the worship leader.  The sound guy not understanding why the worship leader can’t be more organized and the worship leader not understanding why the sound guy can’t be more flexible.  In all actuality the worship leader could be more organized and the sound guy could be more flexible.  It all boils down to communications and building a relationship.  First of all, both need to come to the realization that they want the same thing and that is a worship service void of distractions and purveys the message to the congregation.  Secondly, worship leaders need to understand the limitations of the gear you have and they won’t know until you tell them and the sound guy needs to understand the creativity of worship leaders doesn’t just turn off like a switch.  It is an “always on” setting.  When you understand what each other is capable of, then you can work together to make worship as near perfect as can be achieved on this earth.  All of this was manifested in the joint session led by worship leader Eric Hamsho and technical director David Burton in which they spoke about how they accomplish this at Providence Baptist Church.

Speaking of Providence Baptist Church.  They were the host church for this conference.  They are the epitome of getting in done with what you have.  What an awesome media team that has been assembled.  They were not hesitant at all to open up and show you what they got and what they do.  You tech guys know we are somewhat territorial by nature so I really appreciate this team sharing their space with us.  I want to thank David Burton, Tim Haas, Neil Harrington, Phil the cameraman and the rest of the media ministry at Providence Baptist for their hospitality, conversation, fellowship, sharing and their servant’s heart.

Last but not least and I’m not sure if it was impromptu or not but we had one last worship set from Travis Cottrell and friends that left the place in total silence, heart bare before the Lord and wanting to stay in that moment forever.  Awesome!

Lastly was the big prize giveaway and there was some nice gear that went out the door.  Man, Midway Baptist in Raleigh really cleaned up.  I think they had three individual winners and all of them got something for having the most attendees.  Congratulations to them, really, I mean it.

Very small conference but I think I prefer that to the huge events.  I know the vendors and manufacturer reps are not that thrilled but the sessions are better and the worship sets are that much more intimate.  I had a great time.  I wonder if my church would spring for a trip to Clearwater, FL for the next one?  And since I’m dreaming, how about our whole media ministry team going?  It could happen.