Not long ago, I posted a short article on LinkedIn, poking fun at a church audio engineer for wearing a wide-brimmed fedora while mixing FOH. While I do think it was a little over-the-top in the fashion-over-function category, the main point was that a large hat like that does have an effect on your hearing and changes your perception of the mix. My advice: don’t wear the cool hat if you really want to hear what’s going on in the room. But I’ll give him credit—whether I agree with his style choice or not, he looked sharp. And compared to what I sometimes see at the FOH position, he carried himself well. It got me thinking about how we, as FOH engineers, should show up. After all, like it or not, our attire speaks volumes about us.
Lessons from the Road
Back in my early touring days, freshly hired by a national artist with a label deal, we were grinding hard on the road. The band had already tasted a bit of success, but we were still young—wide-eyed and clueless about the big leagues. As our popularity grew, we found ourselves inching into larger venues and snagging better opportunities. Our FOH mixer—a great friend but equally green—was pulling double duty as Sound Man and Road Manager, eager to learn but stumbling through the chaos. We were “living the dream,” as they say, though in today’s terms, we were still a “baby band”—cute but messy.
At some point, one of the bigger acts we opened for took pity on us and decided to mentor us and our FOH/Road guy. Their road manager’s advice to ours, looking back, seems obvious but hit like a lightning bolt: “If you want to be taken seriously, present yourself as such. Don’t walk into the venue on show day looking like you just crawled out of the bottom bunk of the tour bus.” Clean-shaven, dressed appropriately for the role, projecting the respect you want for yourself and your act—that’s what he preached. Our guy got the message loud and clear. Out went the ripped jeans, flip-flops, and free band T-shirts; in came a sharper, more professional look—and, honestly, a sharper attitude. It worked. Venues, promoters, and even other artists started treating us like we belonged.
Whoever Has Ears, Let Them Hear
Fast-forward to today, and I’ve traveled all around the country, training and working with church AVL teams. I think back on that pivotal moment often—and now, I’m shocked at how some audio engineers present themselves. We’re not rolling into arenas with headliners, but the principle still applies: if you’re behind the console, mixing for worship, your appearance isn’t just a personal choice—it’s part of the job. Too many of us are still rocking hoodies, open flannel shirts, and Crocs like we’re playing in a Nirvana tribute band. Sure, comfort’s nice, but when you’re the guy in the A-1 seat, looking like you just rolled out of a nap can undermine trust—both with church leadership and the congregation itself. To be fair, lots of churches provide team shirts and baseline dress codes for staff, contractors, and volunteers. But in my experience, many don’t, and just as many seem oblivious to the issue. Like our old road manager used to say, “You don’t know what you don’t know until someone points it out”—so I will.
The Weight of the A-1 Seat: Leadership and Eyes on You
Whether you realize it or not, that FOH spot isn’t just a job behind a console—it’s a leadership position. Sure, you might not carry the administrative weight of the Sunday Producer or Tech Director, but the job carries a perception of knowledge and respect that’s hard to ignore. Odds are, there’ve been plenty of closed-door discussions about your skills and fit for the role before you even sat down. Church leadership is putting a lot of faith in you to deliver a great sound that achieves the church’s mix philosophy.
And it’s not just the leadership watching. At one church I mix for, the soundbooth is located almost right in the middle of the floor seating, practically under a spotlight. The congregation isn’t blind—those folks see you, the guy in the A-1 seat, just as much as they see the worship leader or the other media team members. We’re all in the same boat, but there’s something about the FOH role that elevates it, even if you’re a contractor or volunteer with zero administrative power. The public nature of being up there, visible to so many, elevates the stakes—deserved or not.
May I Speak to the Manager?
Here’s the kicker: when a congregant sidles up to complain about the volume (or, let’s be honest, anything else in the service— see my article about complaints here), the conversation usually goes smoother if you’re dressed like you care and exhibit some sense of authority. I’m not saying suit up in a tie and jacket—unless that’s your church’s vibe or the event calls for it, like a funeral. But present yourself professionally for the environment you’re in. A beach community church might lean casual but clean, while a suburban megachurch might favor a polished, modern look. Compare that to a traditional Baptist setting, where expectations might lean more formal, and the dress code shifts again. At the risk of sounding too “showbizzy,” know your audience and dress respectfully for that environment. It’s okay to be creative and even artistic with your attire, but not at the expense of neatness and professionalism.
From Mullets to Millionaires
I live in a community straddling suburban and rural areas, where a popular church’s regular attenders range from blue-collar to white-collar. In places like that, you’ve got folks who don’t dress up all week itching to put on their Sunday best, and others in business attire Monday through Friday who want to kick back in jeans on the weekend. That’s fine for the congregation. But this is another reason you can’t simply match what the typical church attender wears. If you want to earn the respect your leadership is betting on, dress the part. Take some pride in yourself—trade the casual clutter for something that says, “I’ve got this” (not literally on your shirt, though). It’s not about vanity; it’s about showing you’re as focused on your role as you are on the worship service.
The Final Mix: Attitude Meets Attire
Look, your attire isn’t just fabric—it’s a signal of your attitude, just like your mix philosophy or your dedication to the role. Sit up (or stand up) straight, and a personal pet peeve here: put your phone away while the Pastor is speaking—this shows respect and sets a good example for your crew and those nearby. When you show up polished, whether it’s a clean-shaven look or a well-groomed beard (pick one and stick with it, folks), you’re saying, “I’m as invested in this role as I am in nailing vocal clarity.” I’ve learned the hard way—ditch the slouch for a sharper look, and your attitude sharpens right along with your wardrobe. Trust me, the congregation and your crew will appreciate the effort. And who knows, maybe the lighting guy will be inspired and stop wearing those cargo shorts.
Email me at rcochran@worshipfacility.com and let me know how your team is looking these days. Until then, don’t forget to listen.
