The Audition Process
CITADEL WORSHIP is accepting auditions for our Worship Team. We’re so excited about all that Jesus is doing in our church, and we’re looking forward to worshiping with you!
There are two different ways to audition: Submit a video audition, or schedule a one-on-one audition with your worship pastors. However you choose to audition, please reference the details below.
We will review your videos and email you with feedback on your audition and details on moving forward in the audition process if applicable. If you play multiple instruments and want to audition with them all, we ask that you submit separate videos for each. This includes vocalists who also play instruments.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
- Stage Presence (confidence, joy, energy, and a natural excitement for worship)
- Vocal blend, tone, harmony, and if you are auditioning as a Lead vocalist we also look for vocal style and skill
- Instrumental aptitude (blend, tone, skill & style)
We prayerfully identify Character, Craft, Chemistry, Calling, Commitment, and Connection.
CHARACTER – This involves a person’s integrity and spiritual walk, etc.
CRAFT– This involves:
- Musical skill and experience
- The musician’s ongoing commitment to their musical growth
- Platform presence and expression for worship team members
- Leadership ability at various levels
We believe 1 Chronicles 25:6-8, sets a precedent that our team members need to be skilled. Because of that, we have a specific process to qualify potential team members.
"All these men were under the direction of their fathers as they made music at the house of the Lord. Their responsibilities included the playing of cymbals, harps, and lyres at the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman reported directly to the king. They and their families were all trained in making music before the Lord, and each of them—288 in all—was an accomplished musician. The musicians were appointed to their term of service by means of sacred lots, without regard to whether they were young or old, teacher or student." - I Chronicles 25:6-8
CHEMISTRY – This involves how well people fit together with each other and the culture of the worship team at Citadel Church. As we grow larger, we understand not everyone will be “best friends” on our team. A person may click better with some more than with others. However, there needs to be respect and camaraderie between members in order for us to create and maintain a great team culture.
CALLING – Calling is a “tough-to-determine” qualifying factor, but is important to us. Essentially we are looking for someone who has a sense that God is leading them to serve in this ministry.
So what are some aspects of calling that apply here?
- You have a sense that God is leading you to serve with the worship team, not just be on the team to perform.
- You have an affirmation of your call by our leadership. The leaders of the ministry have the sense that you are a good fit and are truly being led by the Spirit.
- You have an availability that allows you to serve. The validity of anyone’s call to the worship team is questionable if they can’t attend our rehearsals/training and services.
- Honoring God and serving His people are at the heart of your desire to be on the team.
COMMITMENT – King David, in 1 Chronicles 21:24 says that he will not make an offering that costs him nothing. There are many things vying for our attention (family, work, hobbies, etc) and we are looking for people willing and able to put in the practice and spiritual preparation and offer the reliability that will be asked for as you serve on the team.
CONNECTION – This aspect specifically focuses on your place with Citadel Church. Do you truly want to serve the Lord at our church, or simply play music or work with tech? Are you engaged and connected in other areas of the church, and actively following God's purpose for you with us as a church?
If you are newer to Citadel Church, we will move ahead slowly, and may ask to talk with a previous pastor or other church leader when possible.
We look for at least a few months of regular attendance at Citadel Church before we will invite someone on the team. However, we do occasionally make allowances for people to participate sooner or as substitute members if they meet other aspects of qualification.
Preparing Your Audition Video
Please submit video of you playing one of the songs listed under your instrument. Audition resources include MP3s of each song, chord and lyric sheets, and a tutorial video to help identify your specific part. We ask that you play or sing each part as it is on the track to the best of your ability!
If you have any issues, don't give up. Just send an email to creativearts@citadelchurch.com and we can help you out!
WHAT SHOULD YOUR VIDEO LOOK LIKE?
- Don’t overthink it… vocalists can sing a-cappella (no background music), with a track, or along with an artist using an original mp3.
- Play the audio from a computer, speaker system, or someone’s phone and record using your cellphone. Our audition resources include a practice track that you can use if you wish.
- Please make sure that your voice or instrument is prominent and can be clearly distinguished from the backing track.
- If you would like to audition for multiple instruments, or an instrument and vocals, you will need to submit separate videos for each.
- Do your best!
AUDITION TIPS
- Please be fully prepared for your audition, knowing your parts.
- We play from chord charts (for reference only), rarely from scored music. The expectation is to to learn the songs so well that you will not be relying on it on stage.
- We are looking to know that you can learn your part from listening to a recording.
- Don’t overplay – we don’t need you to shred, drum solo, or slap bass.
- Be able to receive direction/criticism, even if you don’t agree with the suggestion.
Please understand there's a possibility of hearing “no”.
There are a number of reasons why someone wouldn't qualify to be on the worship team:
- Musical ability not at the level needed.
- No current openings for the area you desire to serve.
- Issues of character or the calling toward this ministry aren't clearly understood.
- Interpersonal issues - if someone doesn't mesh well with current team members, this is a red flag for us.
- Too “new” to our church with no other solid ministry and/or references from other churches or leaders.
The leadership will be honest and forthright with applicants on what they observe. Here is our approach to saying no:
- We will say, "no" or redirect the process as soon as it is apparent this is not a good fit for you in ministry. We do not wish to lead anyone along or give false hopes.
- We may say "Not yet, but please try again later" if we believe that you have potential with some work and development. We will give you constructive feedback for things you can work on.
We believe everyone is called to serve somewhere in God’s kingdom. If our worship team is not a good fit, we will prayerfully help a person, if they would like, to take the first steps to find another ministry here at Citadel Church.
That's it! Thanks for taking time to read though our process. If you have specific questions before you apply, please contact Pastor Sandra & Pastor Kelsey at creativearts@citadelchurch.com.
If you’re ready to apply, we are ready to hear from you! Click the button below.
Audition Details
These resources are intended to give you an idea of how to prepare outside of rehearsal spaces. This is a good indication of communication within our campus worship teams. The process of listening to content and preparing at home is very similar to preparing for our services. Our team utilizes in-ear monitoring. Click-track competency is essential for each musician and vocalist.
VOCALISTS
Please choose two songs. You will submit two videos, one singing the melody (Lead) and one singing a harmony part (Soprano, Alto or Tenor).
"Battle Belongs" by Phil Wickham - Verse 2 to End
(Male Lead, Male and Female Harmonies)
"House of the Lord" by Phil Wickham - Whole Song
(Male Lead, Female Harmonies)
"What a Beautiful Name" by Hillsong Worship - Verse 2 to End
(Female Lead, Male and Female Harmonies)
"Goodness of God" by Bethel Worship - Verse 2 to End
(Female Lead, Male and Female Harmonies)
KEYS
- "Holy Forever" by Bethel Music
- "I Speak Jesus" by Charity Gayle
- "Make Room" by Community Music
- "Sinking Deep" by Hillsong Young & Free
ACOUSTIC GUITAR
- "Rest on Us" by Upperroom
- "I Thank God" by Maverick City Music
- "Gratitude" by Brandon Lake
- "Glorious Day" by Passion
ELECTRIC GUITAR
- "Peace be Still" by Lauren Daigle (Rhythm and Lead)
- "The Lion and the Lamb" by Bethel Music and Leeland
- "Freedom" by Jesus Culture
- "Won't Stop Now" by Elevation Worship
BASS
- "You are Good" by Israel Houghton
- "Phenomena (Da Da)" by Hillsong Young and Free
- "Never Lost" by Elevation Worship
- "Endless Praise" by Planetshakers
DRUMS
- "What I See" by Elevation Worship
- "Oceans" by Hillsong Worship
- "No One" by Elevation Worship
- "Endless Praise" by Planetshakers
UPLOAD YOUR VIDEO
Upload your video via YouTube. Under privacy settings, select "Unlisted" and title with "Your Name - Citadel Worship Audition"
SUBMIT YOUR AUDITION
Submit your audition by filling out the Worship Auditions Form. Include the YouTube link to your video on the form.
In the coming week, we will review your audition and evaluate any possible and relevant opportunities on our team. You will receive a follow-up via email from a member of our team with your next steps.
Again, we are so grateful for your interest in serving with us at Citadel Church. No matter the team you serve with, we believe that Citadel Church’s team of volunteers is a family, and we all work together to serve the purpose of making heaven more crowded!
