Breakdown 3/23 - EASTER

Another great job yesterday by everybody! The preview service went really well, and I think we got a lot of the kinks worked out from last week - much improved overall. I could not have been more proud of the band/vocal team yesterday -- kind of an easy week, but we sounded great on all the songs. Plus, we had a couple of first time visitors in the audience and I think they were enjoying the live, rockin' band.

Ok, this week. I cannot stress the importance of practice this week. You all know this is our first OFFICIAL service, what we have all been waiting for -- some of us for a year now (me). We have a HUGE set this week and each song is very important to the service, so all of the songs need to be practiced and rehearsed as much as possible BEFORE practice on Thursday night -- otherwise, we could be there awhile. I am posting as much detail about the songs this week so that everyone can know exactly what's going to happen. We have two special songs and the prelude, so it's a big week for the band and the vocal team is singing on one of the specials -- so, a big week for everyone.

Lastly -- before I get into the breakdown -- just want to apologize ahead of time for the upcoming "hecticness" of Thursday night, Saturday morning, and Sunday morning. Thursday night we have to practice for Easter, as well as for the Easter Egg hunt -- which the band has 10 songs to get ready for. Saturday morning, the band has to play 45-60 minutes of music to be in the background for the Easter Egg Hunt, plus be there early in the morning to set-up everything. And then finally, but most importantly, Sunday morning where we OFFICIALLY open the doors for the first time and invite everyone who has heard about us to come inside. Most of you all know how I can sometimes be a little sarcastic and a bit snappy -- I am apologizing in advance for anything I may say at any of these dates or times that may seem intentionally hurtful. I promise that it all comes down to the busyness of the day -- I love you guys and would never want to say anything to hurt anyone's feelings, but be advised that I will be very stressed and I am going to do my ABSOLUTE BEST to refrain from all sarcastic remarks -- ha, good luck. The reason I say all this is to simply ask for a little grace. It would be much appreciated.

Enough of the chatter though, here's the breakdown.

Prelude - It's Not Over by Daughtry
Song on CD is recorded in Bb minor, but sheet music is in B minor - obviously, we will play the sheet music - so it will not sound right if you play along with CD.
Not sure how much of this we will play. However, the song is very repetitive -- in terms of chords -- so learn the entire song and be prepared to play it all.
I will play melody with some type of organ, or another "lead" type sound.
This is the first song people will hear when they walk through the doors - let's sell it with awesome stage presence and a great sound.

Song - Salvation is Here
Vocalists - harmony on chorus and 2nd half of bridge. I will sing verses by myself first time - come in at "It's gonna be alright... cause I know my God"
Drums/electric guitar kick this song off, bass slides in four measures later
Bass solo after 2nd chorus - stay on tempo with this, tendency is to rush.
Drums only on chorus after bridge.

Song - Happy Day
Vocalists - unison in verses, bridge. Harmony on chorus only. We need lots of smiles on these first two songs vocal team!
Drums/electric kick this one off, rest of band enters four measures later.
Keep the verses simple, closed hi-hat, picked strings, straight rhythms.
On chorus, rock it out to the fullest.
Listen closely to the bridge on the .mp3, let's try to get this much intensity when we play it.

Special Song - Never Too Late
I am singing and playing acoustic on this (acoustic player sits this one out), backing vocals - either Andrew/Nathan.
Guitarists - tune to drop D.
We are playing EXACTLY like the CD - listen to that and practice along.
Band - lots of stage presence to sell this song!

Song - Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)
Vocalists - I have not decided exactly what we will do on this song. It's very possible I will sing this by myself, or maybe with only one harmony vocal. But everyone needs to learn it, because we may have everyone sing on it. Breathy on verses, and slightly-less breathy on chorus - NEVER FULL VOICE.
This will be only piano, no band necessary.
Band, you will have 1 minute to get on stage after this song is over - I am simply praying after this song, and then starting There Will Come A Day.

Song - There Will Come A Day
Courtney is singing this, but everyone is singing backup (Katie, Andrew, myself).
Vocalists - Please listen to this song, it is very essential to understand the "choir" part of this song, so that we don't have to go over and over on this at practice Thursday night. Courtney will be prepared to run it, and we don't want to have to make her sing the song 8 million times - slight exaggeration. Let's be ready to learn the harmony. I've marked in your books exactly when and where to sing - if you don't have your book, you will see it on Thursday night.
Entire band will play this song.
Play exactly as on sheet music and CD, matches up exactly right. Listen specifically for stops/breaks and any accents in your part.

Whew, I am tired of typing. That is the most detail I can give you without your eyes bulging out of your head. If you have any questions, e-mail me or call me. I can't wait, I'm so friggin' excited, and I know you guys are too.