Church Sound: Who Will Train The Tech Crew?

Secondly, system integrators need to step in a provide complete comprehensive training.

If the integrator is qualified to install the system then the integrator should be responsible for training on the system.

One of my favorite arguments for design/build contracting is that if the integrator properly designs the system, properly installs the system and then properly trains the end-user, whose problem is it if the system does not work?

In my opinion an integrator in a design build scenario should offer at a minimum a one-year no fault warranty on a system. Baring the proverbial “act of God” there should be no labor or equipment charge to remedy any problem that arises, even if it is operator error. After all, it was the integrator who trained the users.

Thirdly, the industry and its associations should seek avenues to provide end-user education and training.

An educated end-user makes wiser choices in selecting integrators and equipment resulting in better installations. In addition a trained end-user would serve to raise the over all sound quality and consistency that the general public experiences.

Who is going to take the lead?
We all like to point out problems but who is going to step up and offer solutions? Perhaps it will come through the church.

Networks of churches, whether denomination or style based, are already in existence. It maybe that groups will form and churches will train other churches. Maybe the industry will formulate sanctioned end-user training through one of the associations, like the C-EST training offered to installers.

Most likely a passion driven integrator or Mega Church technical director will develop a curriculum that is web based or video based that will serve to educate system operators.

The well know saying “it’s the service after the sale” that matters applies well here. If the church is the customer then it is time for the integrator and the industry to stand up and service the daylight out of the customer!

Finally, before signing off, I should also mention that there exist resources like the How to Sound workshops that the end-user can bring to their area to provide comprehensive training, which currently help to bridge the gap in this education divide.

Gary Zandstra is a professional AV systems integrator with Parkway Electric and has been involved with sound at his church for more than 25 years.