There have been times when I’ve come to rehearsal prepared, and we have to spend time letting other people learn the song and practice their parts. This is a tricky situation. It’s easy to get frustrated at your fellow band members for not doing their part. “Maybe I shouldn’t have practiced at home and just learned the song at rehearsal,” might be a thought that crosses your mind, right? You really have to guard your heart against offense here, but to some extent you’re right. Rehearsal is not practice! Let’s dig into why you should come prepared and what you should do if someone else isn’t prepared.
Why YOU Should Come Prepared
It never hurts to live life by biblical principles, so in this case, what does the Bible say about being prepared? I’m glad you asked:
Proverbs 6:6-8 AMP – Go to the ant, O lazy one; Observe her ways and be wise, Which, having no chief, Overseer or ruler, She prepares her food in the summer And brings in her provisions [of food for the winter] in the harvest.
Just like the ant above, it is wise to be prepared. It has been said that “luck” or success is the place where preparation meets opportunity. When you are prepared (no matter what it is), you are able to do more. Things go more smoothly, you stand out and get chosen to do things, etc…
Another reason you should come to rehearsal prepared is that you want to honor everyone else’s time. You’re not the only one in the band, and you’re not the only one with other things to do. You honor someone when you put them above yourself and put their well-being and desires over your own.
These days time is the most valuable resource anyone has. It’s the only thing we can never get back. Each of us has 24 hours in a day to get things done, so don’t ruin someone else’s day by turning what should be a rehearsal into a practice/learning session.
David Santistevan said once on one of his podcasts (or maybe he quoted someone else):
“practice is private, and rehearsal is relational”
You have your own personal practice time at home by yourself, where you’re spending your own time on your own terms. When you come together with the band, since it involves others, you are now entering into relational territory. Don’t inconvenience others and waste their time waiting on you.
What If Someone Else Isn’t Prepared?
The Bible again, for the win…
Proverbs 4:23 AMP Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.
Don’t get offended, first of all. You have to actively and intentionally guard yourself against this and quickly repent when/if you allow it to happen. Offense is a major topic that I could probably spend an entire blog post on, but for now…just keep away from it! 🙂
The best way to get out of your own feelings is to do something for someone else. Instead of pouting or getting mad, DO something to solve the problem. If you’ve learned the songs and your fellow band mate is struggling, help them out. Your time spent in preparation can shorten their learning curve. This is how Christians are supposed to behave anyway…
John 13:35 AMP By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love and unselfish concern for one another.”
Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-13 AMP if you need a refresher on what love is.
What Now?
So the moral of the story is to prepare so you can have a true rehearsal instead of intruding on your band’s time with your own personal practice time. The Bible has a lot to say on this, and I would love to know what you think as well. Do you have any experience on either side of this topic? Leave a comment below and join in on the conversation!
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