John Calame + Musician in Naples, FL

SEEKING

ABOUT

I am the drummer and Assistant Director for an established, and active, independent music ministry, still seeking Lead and Rhythm Guitarists. New music is increasing the demand for us to fill these positions!

We have been together for for more than 7 years. We are not your typical church Praise Team for sure! We are not a church, and not affiliated with any one church. We are an independent ministry. This gives us the freedom to travel on occasion, and play in other churches, schools, conferences, festivals, and other special events in the community where we can be a "light unto the world," without restrictions or monetary control by a church. We are all Christians who love the Lord we serve, and many of us have home churches that we attend when we are not ministering somewhere else. If we were a church's Praise Team, we would always have to be in the same church, every Sunday, ministering to the same people every week who are probably already saved! Playing in different places keeps things fresh, interesting, and exciting!

We play a wide variety of contemporary music. Not quite Rock, but definitely with an edge! We are a big group for a traveling band! 12 Vocalists, Bass, Guitar, Piano, Keyboardist for strings and brass (who also plays live sax, flute, and horns), Drums, and Percussion (Congas, Shakers, Tambourine, etc...).

While we have been lacking the lead guitar, our keyboardist has been doing his best to play those parts on his keyboard, but then he can't play the strings or brass during those parts. In order to keep an edgy feel, and dynamics can make or break a song, we really need a lead guitarist to lay down some power chords and effects when needed, and solo when appropriate. Yes, we sometimes get loud! But then other times, the music is smooth and worshipful. Control and discipline are key! We play everything from Martha Munizzi to Hillsong, Clint Brown to Casting Crowns, Kirk Franklin to Jared Anderson, and much more. While we do "cover" these groups and more, we also have a pile of original music written by different members of the group. We have plans to record as soon as we get a few new members up to speed on some new music. That means possibly YOU!

To keep a full body of sound, we are also looking for a Rhythm Guitarist. Someone to keep the power chords going when the lead takes a solo, or to help in rhythm on an acoustic. There are songs we do where the acoustic player is the lead. Would like to see the different guitarists switch it up between lead and rhythm if you can. If you are someone who plays strictly rhythm or strictly Acoustic, that's fine too. We can still use you!

Female guitarists are just as welcome to apply! If you love to play, and love the Lord, please reply! Worship is not just a guy thing!

Now for the tough part. While there are certain circumstances that may cover travel expenses, we are not a profit based entertainment group. We are a non-profit Ministry. That means our support comes from donations and love offerings, not ticket sales. Being such a large group, our expenses are often immense and what funds we do have go toward studio rent, equipment, travel, etc... That being said, you should know that this is not a paid position. None of us play for the money...we play for the love of the music and our love for the Lord. So you will need another means of income. Many of us have day jobs and we do our best to work around everyone's work schedule. With around 20 people in this group, it doesn't work out every time for everybody. That can be expected...but we do our best and work with who we have available, or we reschedule if we can. The reward is in seeing someone surrender themselves to the Lord, whether it's their first time or if they are re-commiting their life to Him. It's not the same as money, but worth every bit of the work we do. We do however have a great time together! We, and our families, make one GREAT BIG family! We can definitely take over a restaurant! Lots of laughs and fun!

The ability to read music is bonus, but not required. We have written music if you can read, but we also supply chord charts for everything we play for those who can't.

Normal rehearsals are at our studio in Naples, close to one of the I-75 exits, each Thursday from 6pm to 8:30ish, maybe 9pm if we are running late.

Age is not important. You relationship with God is! Our members range from 17 yrs old to 80 something.

If you have the experience and talent we are looking for, and you love the Lord and have a desire to be used by Him, to glorify Him with your musical talent, please reply. Tell us a little about yourself, your experience, your gear, your faith.... Please leave a contact phone number as well.

Please....SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY!

Thanks for your interest,
John

Screen name:

John Calame

Member since:

Jun 02 2014

Active within 1 week

Level of commitment:

Very Committed

Years playing music:

35

Gigs played:

Over 100

Tend to practice:

More than 3 times per week

Influences

Martha Munizzi, Hillsong, Clint Brown, Mary Alessi, Casting Crowns, Kirk Franklin, Jared Anderson, Indiana Bible College, Chris Tomlin, Israel and New Breed, Trent Cory, Jeremy Camp, The Tribbett, Mercy Me, Donnie McClurkin, Lincoln Brewster, The Earth Shakers, VaShawn Mitchell, Third Day, Paul Baloche, Ricardo Sanchez, and more.

EQUIPMENT

9 pc Pearl Reference Series drum kit, All Zildjian A-Custom Cymbals, Roland Electronics, All drums have Audix mics and Presonus digital board.