The Praise and Worship team has recruited new members for this semester. Joining the remaining members from last semester will be Leigh Carson playing keyboard, Clayton Ehlers on bass, Ben Patzlaff playing lead guitar and Nicholas Heider on guitar. Elijah Dahl, the new worship leader, is excited for this semester.
“The new team is awesome,” Dahl said. “Everyone has a unique personality and set of musical skills that they bring to the table.”
Both Carson and Ehlers had been on worship teams at NW before, but Heider admits that his first time singing in front of people was at his auditions for the team.
“It would be weird if I just played guitar without singing,” Heider said. His combination of skills earned him a spot on the team.
Although auditions were held shortly before their first time performing, the team bonded quickly.
“We had a fun time doing it,” Carson said. “We’ve got a lot of experienced musicians that work well together.”
“Everyone has their own way of worship,” Ehlers said. This helps to keep P&W authentic.
With the range of experienced musicians comes the ability to broaden the scope of music played at P&W this semester.
“[We’re] trying to create a unique setting and place for the rest of the campus to come and worship God and feel safe and loved,” Dahl said, “but also to introduce new music because different songs bring different emotions that are important to worship.” Dahl also wants to challenge those who are more resistant to change.
“Get out of your comfort zone and venture out sometimes,” Dahl said.
Dahl also adds that all of the changes would not be possible without the help of the sound crew.
“[Our] awesome sound guy has been super flexible and easy going, which allows us to try new things and create some different sounds,” Dahl said. “He has been a blessing to our team.”
When it comes down to it, the team recognizes that the focus should always be on God.
“It’s important that when we play, we do our best because that is what brings glory to God,” Dahl said. “Bringing God glory through our music helps lead the campus in this form of worship.”
