Latin America. Last year was very complex for churches and prayer centers, and for all those in charge of these spaces. Congregations and religious leaders have been forced to adopt new forms of participation.
For this reason, Shure recently organized a series of technical talks with professionals in the audio industry with the aim of analyzing these changes and openly discussing recommendations for these events.
Panelists Beckie Campbell, founder of B4 Media Productions, and Samantha Potter, senior editor of ProSoundWeb and technical manager of various churches, discussed how to manage multiple religious services virtually and other topics of interest. Laura Davidson and Jenn Liang-Chaboud of Shure moderated the interesting discussion, in which attendees heard Campbell and Potter discuss the need to connect houses of worship, the technology behind live broadcasts, and how to work with volunteers in order to achieve smooth sessions, regardless of how large or small the congregation is.
The value and importance of being connected
We can affirm without fear of being mistaken, that most of the houses of worship already pointed towards the concept of connectivity due to the growth of the congregation. However, the need for this type of facility, physical or virtual, grew significantly with the emergence of COVID-19. Some churches were forced to adapt to hold their religious services outdoors or virtually, thus reaching all members of the congregation.
Connecting environments doesn't just mean having the right equipment at the right time. It's about ensuring that audio and images are tuned in every place and in every space. During the sound check, be sure to walk around the room to check volume levels and make sure the audio is properly balanced from the front of the room to the back of the building.
Technology behind live streaming
Historically, the technical leap between face-to-face and virtual sessions has come at a fairly high price. Over time, and as technology became more accessible, this implementation has become easier and more affordable.
An important first step in coordinating a live broadcast for a congregation is to purchase a tripod to connect and stabilize a cell phone. The beginning can be that simple. Churches can expand visual and audio quality through the use of cameras, mixing consoles, and other measures.
Beyond teams, it's essential to stream on platforms that members can easily access. Don't underestimate the importance of reviewing analytics reports, to know where viewers connect: YouTube, Facebook, the church website, or any other channel. After identifying the platform, work with your team to make sure they also have the best audio and video quality.
Working with volunteers
Having an extra pair of hands and ears can be extremely useful when connecting the different venues and planning virtual live broadcasts. However, sometimes the weekly coordination of new volunteers can be exhausting. When training volunteers, take the time to slow down and invest in skill development, which can help the audio team in the long run.
Group training is an easy way to inspire each other, as volunteers may have similar questions or needs. When recruiting, consider taking advantage of local high schools that require volunteer hours. College internship programs can also be a way to find people willing to put in the time and effort to support you.
