Have you ever heard your favorite singer perform "live". If so, then you have noticed that often the singer is often accompanied by a backing track. What if I told you that there are special kind of backing tracks that are also used with live musicians. These are called stems. For example, if you had a performance and your guitar player became ill, you could just use a guitar stem with your live performance and fill in the missing part. In recent years the use of stems have gained popularity in worship experiences. It creates a full sound because you have more options and it keeps everyone on a consistent tempo.

Transitioning to using stems in a choir or band setting requires careful preparation and understanding of the roles and expectations of both the choir and musicians.

First and foremost, it is important for the choir and musicians to be familiar with the concept of stems and how they can enhance live performances. Stems are essentially individual tracks or recordings of specific instruments or vocal parts that can be played alongside live performances. This means that if a particular instrument or vocal part is missing, it can be supplemented with a stem to maintain a full sound.

With the ability to incorporate additional instrument or vocal parts through stems, the overall sound becomes richer and more layered. This can greatly enhance the overall listening experience for the audience.

Secondly, using stems can provide greater flexibility and adaptability to unforeseen circumstances. For example, if a musician or vocalist becomes ill or unable to perform, their part can be seamlessly filled in with a stem. This ensures that the performance can continue without any major disruptions and maintains a high level of professionalism.

Furthermore, using stems helps to maintain a consistent tempo throughout the performance. Stems are typically recorded at a specific tempo, and this can serve as a guide for the choir and musicians to follow. This helps to keep everyone in sync and prevents any tempo fluctuations that may occur during live performances.

In conclusion, transitioning to using stems in a choir or band setting requires thorough preparation and understanding. The choir and musicians must be familiar with the concept of stems and their role in enhancing live performances. Additionally, technical considerations and rehearsals should be conducted to ensure a seamless and successful integration of stems into the performance. Ultimately, using stems can bring a fuller sound, provide flexibility, and maintain a consistent tempo, resulting in an improved and more professional live performance experience.