Bands & Orchestra

Instrumental Music Introduction page:

VENUE BANDS
The foundation of every venue band at Saddleback is a rhythm section consisting of one or two guitars, one to three keyboard players, a bass player, and a drummer. The musical requirements vary from one venue to another since each venue possesses a unique musical style all its own. However, all require the same level of musicianship.  All rhythm section musicians must audition to get started. For more information on auditioning to be a part of one of the venue bands, please email Bob Champagne at bobc@saddleback.com

SADDLEBACK ORCHESTRA
The Saddleback Orchestra is made up of volunteer musicians who love God and have a passion for serving him with their instruments. It’s no secret that the music at Saddleback is anything but traditional, which might make one question why we use a traditional orchestra. We strive to create a contemporary cinematic sound and style with the Saddleback Orchestra much like the music heard in recordings of pop artists and film soundtracks today. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a part of the orchestra, email Bob Champagne at bobc@saddleback.com for more information.

Venue Band
Each venue on campus has a basic rock band rhythm section as its basis. Each band consists of a drummer, bass player, one or two guitars, and one to three keyboard players. Latin percussion is sometimes included. These bands provide the nucleus of instrumental support for each venue. They accompany vocalists and sometimes expand with orchestral instruments or a small horn section. Since the musical style varies from one venue to another, the requirements for participation and the musical abilities needed also varies.

Requirements for All Venues:
Each player must have the ability to sight-read chord charts proficiently and be able to work well within a contemporary rhythm section. He or she must play with solid time and with the appropriate feel for the various contemporary styles used. Guitarists need to be able to create cutting-edge contemporary sounds utilizing the proper effects and be able to adapt to new sounds upon request from the music director.

Auditions are held periodically throughout the year for anyone desiring to be a part of one of the venue bands.
If you’d like to schedule an audition, please contact Bob Champagne via email at bobc@saddleback.com

Orchestra
We’re looking for those who play symphonic orchestral instruments. The orchestra plays for the services in the main Worship Center two weekends each month, plus Christmas, Easter, and special events. Because we hold multiple services each weekend, we always need more musicians than what is required for any one service.  For example, we typically would like to have three trumpets in each service, but may need two or three times that number in order to consistently have three in each service. The same goes for every section of the orchestra.

Here is a list of the instruments we use:

Piccolo
Flute I & II
Oboe I & II
Bassoon I & II
Bb Clarinet I & II
Bb Bass Clarinet
Eb Alto Sax I & II
Bb Tenor Sax I & II
Eb Bari Sax
French Horn in F I, II & III
Bb Trumpet I, II & III
Tenor Trombone I & II
Bass Trombone
Tuba
Percussion (timpani, mallets, toys, cymbals, etc.)
Harp
Strings: Violin I, Violin II, Viola, Cello, Double Bass

In the string section our philosophy is the more the merrier. We strive to maintain a balanced section that includes all the instruments of the string family.

MUSICIANS WITH THE RIGHT LEVEL OF ABILITY:
Musicians wanting to audition and become involved will need to be able to sight-read music at a high school to college level of difficulty. There is only one rehearsal to learn all the music for the upcoming weekend, which means everyone involved needs to learn quickly. Our orchestrators are professional writers who understand the techniques required to write professional-level orchestrations that are playable without requiring lengthy rehearsal time. Still, the pressure can become intense for a musician who is not able to learn quickly.

We also offer an opportunity for those who are not yet ready to participate because they need more training and experience or haven’t played for many years and need to get back in shape. Rehearsals are open to people such as these who would like to practice with us twice a month but are not ready to commit to weekend services. This allows time to get used to playing in an orchestra, to get to know all the members, and to become more comfortable in an orchestral setting before getting involved on the weekend.

THOSE WITH A HEART FOR MINISTRY:
We are a group of musicians who meet regularly to play because we love music and love being able to express our love for Christ through our instruments. Our focus is first of all on God and loving him, and on living lives that bring honor and glory to his name. Second, we are members of his family and are here to minister to each other and to the church. The Saddleback Orchestra is a family of believers and not merely a group of musicians. We want to minister to you and allow you the opportunity to minister to others as a part of our family. Musicians are able to connect with other believers to share prayer requests and study God’s word as well as develop friendships and attend fellowship events.

GETTING INVOLVED
The first step to becoming a part of the orchestra is to email Bob Champagne at bobc@saddleback.com and let us know you’re interested. We’ll give you more information about the current rehearsal and worship service schedule.

Second, come attend a rehearsal. You’ll have an opportunity to meet the members of the orchestra and experience what it’s like to be a part of the group.

THE SCHEDULE
The orchestra plays at all six services in the main Worship Center two weekends each month. A calendar of scheduled weekends is planned two to three months in advance and is given to each person. Rehearsals are held the Tuesday night prior to the weekend and take place on the Worship Center stage. Rehearsals begin at 7:00 p.m. and end at 9:00 p.m. Rehearsals may go later when music is being prepared for a concert or other special event.

Thank you for considering the Saddleback Orchestra as your place of service!