With Contemporary Worship Team auditions coming up in August, CWT thought we would give you an insider’s view of our auditions by interviewing a member of the CWT praise team, Betty Talbert. Betty has been playing rock-and-roll flute with the band for a little more than two years at our Sunday morning contemporary services.

Why did you decide to audition for the Contemporary Worship Team?
At the time, I thought I must have been a little crazy – packing one more thing into my hectic life. Though I have been a musician for years, I was really out of practice. I was also new at church, by nature a little shy and didn’t know many people yet. Yet, despite these seeming obstacles, my spirit was pining away to worship the Lord with all my soul. So I decided to audition. In retrospect, my time on the music team has reinforced the truth that a grateful heart begins with worship. I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to serve. I met some wonderful people who have been a strength for me, prayed for me during some difficult times, and have become my friends.

What was it like having to audition?
I hadn’t played flute consistently for about 10 years. So I was really nervous, but the evaluation team was kind and fair with everyone. I was so relieved that they didn’t expect perfection. Those who auditioned ranged from some beginners in the music ministry to seasoned performers. The leadership knows that the musical excellence we seek in the ministry can be learned. I knew I could keep practicing and audition again later if I didn’t make the grade that day. Today’s technology helped calm my fear, too. CWT provides mp3s of praise songs and sheet music to prepare for the audition (and later for the Sunday services.) I knew I could get up to speed with a little extra practice.

What advice would you give for anyone thinking of auditioning?
Seek the Lord first. Then, if you yearn to worship more deeply and have some musical skill, don’t let fear stop you: practice and audition. 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and discipline.” Worship glorifies our Lord Jesus Christ. So don’t hesitate to serve if you are called. I am sure you will find, as I did, that the blessings of spiritual growth, joy, and the fellowship you reap while using your musical gift will far outweigh any fear that you may experience along the way.

If you would like to audition for the Contemporary Worship Team contact Director of Contemporary Worship and Music Chris Higgins at (714) 288-4422 for an audition pack which includes a CD and sheet music . Auditions will take place at 7 p.m. Wed., Aug. 12 for singers and 7 p.m. Aug. 13 for musicians. And if you can’t make the audition dates call Chris anyway to let him know you are interested.