Janet Smith: Our main mixing man needs help downstairs and feedback is the main thing that I still need to learn how to handle, so that I could give him a break and let him go upstairs in the studio setting.

Curt: Are you saying that when you mix in the house, that you're having problems with feedback over the house system?

Janet Smith: In the house system, we have two frequencies that give us problems and a 32-channel board. I just do not have the experience to handle some of the strange things that can happen which cause feedback. It happens fairly often as I listen from upstairs.

Curt: Sounds like your best course of action is to (1) get a consultant in who can help resolve the feedback problems and (2) once that is done, if you're still having problems, look for someone to provide some training at your church. That is to say, on your equipment.

larry - Is there teaching material available that might help teach me to teach better?

Curt: Well, uh, hmm, let me see. Okay, check our web site and look for info on our Church Sound Boot Camp.

JimL: What are some good, practical educational resources outside of churchsoundcheck?

Curt: Lots of books are available. Obviously the Yamaha Guide to Sound Systems for Worship is the best - because I wrote three of the chapters. :-) There are videotapes, and lots of workshops available. Maranatha. Integrity Music. Syn-Aud-Con. We're scheduling workshops for this fall as well.

gary: Any suggestions for "un-training" a "trained" volunteer, without too much strife?

Curt: Well, first off - let's not assume that everyone who joins the tech support team has to drive the house desk. There are lots of tasks that need to be done each week. Asking one or two people to do it all isn't realistic, especially in a portable church or in larger churches.