In the past few days I have been finalizing dozens of contracts for the bands who will play at camp in the next 8 months or so. I cannot say I’m an expert in music or the music industry. I once owned a guitar, which I kept in my office—standard youth pastor décor—but that’s the extent of my musical ability.
Even though I don’t know a lot about music, I do know a lot about what makes a band work well at the various camps and retreats we host at camp. If you’re interested in getting your band to play at a camp, or anywhere else, I recommend you start with my post from earlier this year about getting hired as a speaker. It lays good groundwork that applies to bands too.
Besides those things, here are the four things I’m looking for in a great band:
1. I’m hiring worship bands that love to rock, rather than rock bands that are willing to lead worship.
It’s not a small distinction. There are a million great bands out there. Some of them have written great original songs that will someday become radio hits. But I’m not primarily interested in your radio hits. I’m interested in campers having opportunity to worship.
Great worship bands understand the unique dynamics of the age group, audience and region. The way you lead worship for elementary kids, for example, is different than the approach you would take with high school students or families. In addition, a repertoire of familiar songs—which can vary regionally and by age group—will provide an engaging experience.
2. I’m hiring bands made up of people that love people.
All of the bands we work with love music. Many of them love people. If I had to choose, I’d choose the band that loves people. You can tell because they spend more time with campers than with their instruments. They are playing basketball, encouraging kids at high ropes, and splitting up in the dining hall to eat with more campers.
I see more comments on camper and leader surveys about the engagement of bands with our campers than about their musical ability.
3. I’m hiring bands that aren’t too humble.
Part of the experience for our campers is that they get to get up close with the band. They don’t get that at a Newsboys concert. And, even though they may have never heard of your band, as soon as you walk out on stage, you’re a rock star. You are David Crowder. You are Justin Bieber.
And, since this isn’t about you, go ahead and let them enjoy meeting you. Sign your autograph on their t-shirt. Get your picture taken with them. It’s OK. It’s part of the experience.
CAUTION: Don’t think I’m looking to hire divas. I do prefer humble to diva.
4. I’m hiring bands that our staff love to work with.
During summer camp, especially, a band has to engage with the hundreds of summer staff that are making camp possible. I’m not just referring to our production crew. If our counselors don’t like you (personally) for some reason, our campers won’t have a great week either.
Spend some time getting to know our staff. Say please and thank you. Offer to help. Ask them about life. It will pay off next time you walk onto the stage.
We’ve found some great bands to work with over the years. They see themselves in partners, working alongside us to further our mission at camp. I love to talk with them, meet their families, and shoot the breeze about life and ministry. And, sometimes, I still get a little star-struck, too.