What Skill Level Do I Need?

DC Youth Band is not for absolute beginners but for youth with some experience on an instrument or with singing. Participants should:

• Be taking or have taken lessons (private, school, or self-taught with real progress).
• Have a natural aptitude for music—able to pick things up quickly.
• Be willing to learn and take feedback.
• Know the basics of their instrument (e.g., playing chords, keeping rhythm, following song structure).
• Be comfortable playing with others in a band setting (or willing to develop this skill).

If you’re unsure, talk to a leader before signing up!

What Instruments Are Needed?

We’re looking for:
🎸 Guitarists (electric & acoustic)
🎹 Keyboardists
🥁 Drummers
🎤 Singers
🎻 Other instruments? Let us know - we are open to other instruments!

We also encourage youth interested in sound and production to join. If you’re passionate about mixing, sound design, or running audio for live music, there’s a place for you too!

Do I Have to Sing?

Nope! Some musicians are instrumentalists only. However, we do encourage all musicians to develop basic singing ability since leading worship involves engagement beyond playing an instrument.

What Happens If I Miss a Week?

Consistency is important for a band, so we ask for commitment. However, we understand that life happens.

• If you can’t make a session, let a leader know in advance.
• If you miss multiple weeks without notice, we’ll chat about whether this is the right time for you to be involved.

What Happens at Rehearsals?

Each week will have a 90-minute session which includes:
1️⃣ Warm-Up & Devotional – A short time in God’s Word, reflecting on the heart of worship.
2️⃣ Worship Development - Playing worship is more than playing music, it's leading worship.
3️⃣ Music Training – Learning skills like playing together, timing, dynamics, and transitions.
4️⃣ Rehearsal Time – Practising songs from the DC Set List in a band setting.

After the Rehearsal Time we will all pitch in to pack up the equipment and help reset the space for Youth to kick off at 6:30.

Will We Play in Church?

The goal is development first, then opportunities. While the Youth Band will not immediately play in Sunday services, the goal is to train for leading worship where and when appropriate.

Expectations & Commitment

Joining the DC Youth Band means committing to:
✔ Regular attendance at our fortnightly Youth Discipleship Program, 4Real, during school terms.
✔ Regular attendance at Youth Band Training during school terms.
✔ Practising at home—not just learning on Fridays!
✔ Being part of a team—supporting, listening, and playing together.
✔ Growing spiritually—this is a discipleship opportunity, not just a music class.
✔ Following leadership—being humble and open to learning.

Equipment

🎸 Apart from drums and keyboards, youth will be expected to bring their own instruments (guitar, bass, etc.).
🔉 Youth will be required to bring their own in ear monitors. These can be of any price range.

- For your instrument to be heard it will have to have a pickup or some means of audio output.
- We will be rehearsing with in ear monitors to keep our volume at an appropriate level for a shopping centre.
- In ear monitors can start from $30 (Amazon). A good option above this range are the $80 M6 Pros.
- Other equipment to connect your instrument and IEM's (cables, DI's, headphone amps, etc.) will be provided.

Parent Involvement

Parents, we ask for your support in:
👀 Encouraging your child to practise at home.
🚗 Ensuring consistent attendance.
📩 Communicating with leaders if your child can’t make a session.

How Is This Different from School Music?

Unlike school bands or choirs, the DC Youth Band is about:
🙌 Leading worship – Not just playing music, but pointing people to Jesus.
🤝 Building a team – Playing together as a band, not just individually.
💡 Growing spiritually – Learning how music connects to faith.
🎶 Developing contemporary skills – Worship music involves different dynamics than classical or school music.

What’s Next?

If this sounds like something you’re interested in, submit your expression of interest and we'll be in touch!

We’re excited to see young musicians grow in faith and skill as they worship Jesus together! 🎸🔥