be the last people to leave.  Audio Visual people have exactly the same problem.  The screen needs to be set up before any rehearsals can take place so we have to be on site well before the performers.  After the performance, the kit has to be dismantled and packed in readiness to return to the hirers.
For both congresses my team had to be in the hall by 7.00am.  All the equipment was set up, wired and tested prior to the start of rehearsals.  After the final meeting it took around two hours to dismantle everything.
I get a great thrill of satisfaction in seeing a production come together after all the preparation.  Inevitably there are sometimes changes to the programme or aspects the producer wants to alter.  It is also necessary to preview the production.  Some things will look great in the studio but not so good at the venue, and so changes have to be made.
The THQ Special Events Department is very professional and we are given a minute-by-minute schedule of events.  All the various technical departments communicate with the producer during the show via 'cans' that is to say headphones and microphones.  When the producer calls the start of the presentation it normally runs to schedule except sometimes where the General is involved.  At the RAH Congress he chose four songs for the reflection time, and I was told that he would choose verses and choruses, as he felt led.  This was a bit of a nail biting time but worked well on the day.  Then when the Chief Secretary decided to use a closing song from a previous programme, we only had two minutes notice.  This is where the live camera comes into its own for we can use it while we switch the computer programmes, etc.
In some ways I liken this role to that of a soloist in that there is considerable preparation as well as final presentation time.  The satisfaction of a job well done far outweighs the time taken.  It is great to work with a team of professionals both Army and from the theatre and humbling to hear some of the comments from the theatre staff on the 'cans' during a programme.  I feel that Audio Visual is a very valuable tool in our armoury and when used effectively can be used by God to extend His kingdom.  Anecdotes we hear following band engagements underline this thought.