“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:2,3)
Communication is important. Understatement! When you consider that Jesus is the Word of God, you might begin to realize that communication is crucial. And because of its importance, the powers of darkness are set to oppose it. It is not by chance that communicating clearly is one of the most difficult things the church does.
[That said, I confess this as an area in my life needing prayer and growth. For a couple of years I created a weekly newsletter for the choir, running off copies and placing them in the numbered folder slots before each rehearsal. I would include some devotional thoughts, things or people to pray about,some humor, and reminders of upcoming singing or event dates, plus the songs we’d be singing on those dates. A few members don’t make use of e-mail, so it seemed a good idea. It worked well except for the reams of paper used. I will probably go back to it this fall, e-mailing the majority, and running copies for the few who wouldn’t get it otherwise.]
This is the first choir I’ve directed that regularly uses robes. My first choir had them, but as the ladies got to an age at which being overly warm became an issue, and the choir was moved to the balcony where heat collected, the robes were left in storage. This choir has light weight robes with reversible stoles of four colors to match the vestments in the sanctuary. The robes are downstairs, and until members go up, they are guessing what stole color to use. So finally I requested a listing of Sundays/colors, and it’s taped on the door of the robe closet. There is also a list of members there with their robe numbers, and a 3x5 card over each hanger with the number on it. They can see at a glance which robe is theirs.
Then there are notices for the Sunday bulletins, and for the monthly church newsletter. Also the song title for each bulletin. The newsletter escapes me. I rarely think to include anything till it’s too late. Fortunately, we rarely need anything in it. In August, though, I want to do a membership drive, so it’s a matter of getting it on my personal calendar and remembering to look at it! The bulletins are blessedly taken care of by our pastor, who is a fine bass in the choir. It helps, too, to have one or more administratively gifted choir members who will keep me straight if (I mean WHEN) I forget something. Bless them!
I mustn’t leave out financial responsibilities. I directed for many years without pay, and was content to do so. This church pays me, and it’s at a time in our lives when we are most grateful (college-going, driving, eating, insurance-needing sons). I believe absolutely in the first 10% of every check being laid aside for the Lord’s use. And what joy when someone has a need, the Lord nudges my heart to respond, and there’s actually money there to do so! I would consider it robbing God not to tithe. I make it the first thing I do, so I don’t forget. Now, this is something the Lord has spoken very clearly to me about. What you do is between you and Him. Only do search the Scriptures on it, and do ask Him. He’ll make it plain what He wants of you. It may be different from what He’s shown me.
So what am I missing? And what can be done more efficiently? I’m sure you have a ton of ideas! Feel free to share them in the comments here. I’d surely love to hear from you.
In this little series on setting an example, I’ve covered Morale and Administration. Next will be Musicality and Spirituality.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Set an Example-- in Administration
Admininstration. *sigh*. It's not my gift. But it is my responsibility, and when I do a good job, it's one of the most rewarding and satisfying aspects of involvement with the volunteer choir. It blesses them and is a labor of love.
My creative side likes to have all my projects spread around where I can view them and pick them up at will. I dream of having a separate room for the projects of each area of my life... but that's a whole different blog! And it doesn't work for choir. What I'm talking about here is neatly filed, easily-retrieved choir music.
There are a few areas of choir administration.
First, the music.
It's quite the process, choosing, purchasing, and filing music. Here's what works for me:
1. I ask how much money is set aside in the church budget for new choir music.
2. I pray that my choices will be wise and what the Spirit of God desires for His choir to sing, for His people to hear, and for His own pleasure. (hmm, I probably should also have prayed about the budget!)
3. I listen to choir octavos. Sometimes at a conference, sometimes on J.W. Pepper, or perhaps the church has been sent some publishers' CDs. I love the CDs, because I can listen while in the car. I suppose I could also listen while doing dishes, but there's a lot more noise and distraction (dog, family, laundry, phone...).
4. I listen some more. I mark some that I like, and pray and listen again. If I have the sheet music in my hand, I'll follow along or plunk it out at home and note the ranges of each voice, how well written and playable the accompaniment is, the difficulty level, and how usable it might be now and in future. The lyrics must be solidly agreeing with Scripture or I won't give it a glance. It must say something; I have no time for fluff. I consider the style; I like to be eclectic. I don't want us stuck in a rut. Southern Gospel, classical, contemporary, let's do it all!
5. I go to the calendar and consider the specific occasions (Thanksgiving, Reformation Sunday, teacher recognition day, Christmas...), and often I'll go to the files and see what we haven't done in a while or what I feel led to pull out again. I love to make good use of what's there; after all, what do folks do when they like a song? They go out and buy the CD and play it over and over. We shouldn't be afraid to repeat songs. It saves money. Besides, people can't possibly get the whole message on the first hearing. However, I wouldn't want to beat a song into the ground, either. The choir should never get bored. (I like to keep a couple of very well-known pieces simmering on the back burner, too, to whip out in the times when a planned piece just isn't quite ready to offer, or a two-part piece for when too many people call in sick!)
6. Again, I pray. When I have final decisions, I order the music, making sure I don't go over budget. If there is a piece I feel strongly about and there isn't enough money, I might purchase it myself. I like to "sow into" this ministry, because I believe lives are touched for eternity through it.
The Music Arrives--Yay!
1. I number the copies in pencil; front, upper right for consistency. (Each member has a numbered folder stored in a cabinet with numbered slots)If a copy goes missing, I know who has it. One copy is labeled "Accompanist" and another, "Director". The director copies I keep in my file drawer here at home, where I can browse through them as needed.
NOTE for TECHIES: I am not one. Technology and I are still mere working acquaintences, with slight potential for friendship. Probably never kindred spirits. Therefore, I do not use the computer in my filing endeavors, though probably it would be a billion times better. If I had someone sit down and show me, maybe.
2. Since we have file cabinets, I use manila folders, filed alphabetically by title. I label the new folder with the title, composer/arranger, voicing (SATB), # of copies purchased, and any extra instruments/solos. On the front of the folder, I make usage suggestions (Easter, Advent, General)and the year purchased.
I have a separate drawer for Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Lenten seasons. If the choir has lots of SAB or 2-part pieces, I'll have a separate spot for those.
3. Since many pieces are appropriate for more than one occasion, I also cross-reference them in a 3x5 card file. I make a card for each piece, including all information that's on the manila. They are filed alphabetically by title. I have extra little sections labeled General, Communion, Christmas, Easter, Advent, Lent, Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Thanksgiving, and any other special holidays. I'll toss in cards with the title only of the pieces in every occasion they might be used. I suppose this is similar to the sections in a hymnal, except it needs to be added to regularly, thus individual cards.
3. The folders go into the file cabinet alphabetically. When I'm ready to use a song, I move it to a bottom slot in the choir folder cabinet. I put each copy into the correct folder slot, and the choir members can grab it and put it into their own folders. On a Sunday after we've sung, the choir turns in the piece, and I put them in numerical order later, back into the manila folder, back into the file cabinet.
If a copy is missing, I'll pencil it lightly on the folder, and lay it aside till I can check on it.
Whew! More administration tomorrow. But not much; the lion-share is done.
My creative side likes to have all my projects spread around where I can view them and pick them up at will. I dream of having a separate room for the projects of each area of my life... but that's a whole different blog! And it doesn't work for choir. What I'm talking about here is neatly filed, easily-retrieved choir music.
There are a few areas of choir administration.
First, the music.
It's quite the process, choosing, purchasing, and filing music. Here's what works for me:
1. I ask how much money is set aside in the church budget for new choir music.
2. I pray that my choices will be wise and what the Spirit of God desires for His choir to sing, for His people to hear, and for His own pleasure. (hmm, I probably should also have prayed about the budget!)
3. I listen to choir octavos. Sometimes at a conference, sometimes on J.W. Pepper, or perhaps the church has been sent some publishers' CDs. I love the CDs, because I can listen while in the car. I suppose I could also listen while doing dishes, but there's a lot more noise and distraction (dog, family, laundry, phone...).
4. I listen some more. I mark some that I like, and pray and listen again. If I have the sheet music in my hand, I'll follow along or plunk it out at home and note the ranges of each voice, how well written and playable the accompaniment is, the difficulty level, and how usable it might be now and in future. The lyrics must be solidly agreeing with Scripture or I won't give it a glance. It must say something; I have no time for fluff. I consider the style; I like to be eclectic. I don't want us stuck in a rut. Southern Gospel, classical, contemporary, let's do it all!
5. I go to the calendar and consider the specific occasions (Thanksgiving, Reformation Sunday, teacher recognition day, Christmas...), and often I'll go to the files and see what we haven't done in a while or what I feel led to pull out again. I love to make good use of what's there; after all, what do folks do when they like a song? They go out and buy the CD and play it over and over. We shouldn't be afraid to repeat songs. It saves money. Besides, people can't possibly get the whole message on the first hearing. However, I wouldn't want to beat a song into the ground, either. The choir should never get bored. (I like to keep a couple of very well-known pieces simmering on the back burner, too, to whip out in the times when a planned piece just isn't quite ready to offer, or a two-part piece for when too many people call in sick!)
6. Again, I pray. When I have final decisions, I order the music, making sure I don't go over budget. If there is a piece I feel strongly about and there isn't enough money, I might purchase it myself. I like to "sow into" this ministry, because I believe lives are touched for eternity through it.
The Music Arrives--Yay!
1. I number the copies in pencil; front, upper right for consistency. (Each member has a numbered folder stored in a cabinet with numbered slots)If a copy goes missing, I know who has it. One copy is labeled "Accompanist" and another, "Director". The director copies I keep in my file drawer here at home, where I can browse through them as needed.
NOTE for TECHIES: I am not one. Technology and I are still mere working acquaintences, with slight potential for friendship. Probably never kindred spirits. Therefore, I do not use the computer in my filing endeavors, though probably it would be a billion times better. If I had someone sit down and show me, maybe.
2. Since we have file cabinets, I use manila folders, filed alphabetically by title. I label the new folder with the title, composer/arranger, voicing (SATB), # of copies purchased, and any extra instruments/solos. On the front of the folder, I make usage suggestions (Easter, Advent, General)and the year purchased.
I have a separate drawer for Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Lenten seasons. If the choir has lots of SAB or 2-part pieces, I'll have a separate spot for those.
3. Since many pieces are appropriate for more than one occasion, I also cross-reference them in a 3x5 card file. I make a card for each piece, including all information that's on the manila. They are filed alphabetically by title. I have extra little sections labeled General, Communion, Christmas, Easter, Advent, Lent, Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Thanksgiving, and any other special holidays. I'll toss in cards with the title only of the pieces in every occasion they might be used. I suppose this is similar to the sections in a hymnal, except it needs to be added to regularly, thus individual cards.
3. The folders go into the file cabinet alphabetically. When I'm ready to use a song, I move it to a bottom slot in the choir folder cabinet. I put each copy into the correct folder slot, and the choir members can grab it and put it into their own folders. On a Sunday after we've sung, the choir turns in the piece, and I put them in numerical order later, back into the manila folder, back into the file cabinet.
If a copy is missing, I'll pencil it lightly on the folder, and lay it aside till I can check on it.
Whew! More administration tomorrow. But not much; the lion-share is done.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Set an Example in Morale
I’m gonna start today with a warning or disclaimer. Here’s the reason: when I thought of ways I can serve my choir, it overwhelmed me. A lot of these things are on auto-pilot. That may be the only way to handle it. I certainly didn’t do all these things in my first directing job. They’ve been added gradually over the years. Some directors delegate things, too. And I’m not perfect; I have great intentions, but things don’t always go the way I plan.
I’ll break this up into several areas and cover just one of them today:
morale, administration, musicality, and spirituality.
Morale (how can I serve my choir in this area and set an example for them?)
*energy (no matter how tired I might be)
*cheerfulness (regardless of negative things in my life)
*organization (how discouraging it would be for them if I didn’t know what we were going to sing or where the music could be found) (in fact, something I need to work on is making sure there really are enough copies for everyone; sometimes we’re short 1 or 2)
*understanding (when folks must miss a rehearsal or come late)
*caring (about their personal lives; this includes prayer/ Birthday, Get Well or Sympathy cards/ a meal if they’ve had surgery or a death in the family…)
*pointing out what they’re doing right
*choosing music that challenges them, knowing when to back off with an easier piece
*fellowship times
Some directors pick up CDs of great music and once a month or more will tape one to the bottom of a chair to surprise whoever sits there. In my choir, the chairs are in place and the same person sits there. We’d have to draw names or something.
I try to pick up cards at the thrift stores, and keep them with pen and stamps in my file area so if someone is missing we can pass it around to be signed and get it right in the mail.
Most of the things listed are up to the director simply to model. Others can be encouraged. Like asking for volunteers to get a meal over to so-and-so. Or asking who’d be willing to call this person who was missing tonight and make sure they’re okay.
Can you add ideas to this? I’d love to hear them!
I’ll break this up into several areas and cover just one of them today:
morale, administration, musicality, and spirituality.
Morale (how can I serve my choir in this area and set an example for them?)
*energy (no matter how tired I might be)
*cheerfulness (regardless of negative things in my life)
*organization (how discouraging it would be for them if I didn’t know what we were going to sing or where the music could be found) (in fact, something I need to work on is making sure there really are enough copies for everyone; sometimes we’re short 1 or 2)
*understanding (when folks must miss a rehearsal or come late)
*caring (about their personal lives; this includes prayer/ Birthday, Get Well or Sympathy cards/ a meal if they’ve had surgery or a death in the family…)
*pointing out what they’re doing right
*choosing music that challenges them, knowing when to back off with an easier piece
*fellowship times
Some directors pick up CDs of great music and once a month or more will tape one to the bottom of a chair to surprise whoever sits there. In my choir, the chairs are in place and the same person sits there. We’d have to draw names or something.
I try to pick up cards at the thrift stores, and keep them with pen and stamps in my file area so if someone is missing we can pass it around to be signed and get it right in the mail.
Most of the things listed are up to the director simply to model. Others can be encouraged. Like asking for volunteers to get a meal over to so-and-so. Or asking who’d be willing to call this person who was missing tonight and make sure they’re okay.
Can you add ideas to this? I’d love to hear them!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Set an Example
The night before the Jewish Passover Feast, as Jesus and His twelve disciples were being served their evening meal, Jesus did the unthinkable. The Master, the Rabbi, the Teacher, their Lord, altered his clothing to that of the lowliest household slave. He poured water into a basin. He knelt on the floor before each of His friends and washed and dried their filthy feet.
Peter, like some of us, had a bit of trouble accepting this service (you know how hard it can be to be on the receiving end). But Jesus patiently explained:
“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
Now, I’m not suggesting choir directors should have towels and water handy. We have paved roads and cars, so most will come with fairly clean feet; or if not, their feet are in shoes and socks and it won’t matter!
But Jesus’ example is of servanthood. How can we serve our choir members?
What kinds of service do we model and hope to pass on?
Let’s explore this subject further for a few days. Chew on it and let me know what you think.
Peter, like some of us, had a bit of trouble accepting this service (you know how hard it can be to be on the receiving end). But Jesus patiently explained:
“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
Now, I’m not suggesting choir directors should have towels and water handy. We have paved roads and cars, so most will come with fairly clean feet; or if not, their feet are in shoes and socks and it won’t matter!
But Jesus’ example is of servanthood. How can we serve our choir members?
What kinds of service do we model and hope to pass on?
Let’s explore this subject further for a few days. Chew on it and let me know what you think.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Memorial Day Example
It is fitting to remember and honor those who have died serving our nation in the military. They gave everything they had. Whether or not we agree with the reason for their service, we do well to honor and thank them and their families for their sacrifice.
My father-in-law has numerous bits of brass living with him these 50+ years from serving our nation and the world during WWII. The nightmares return when he is asked to speak to school groups about his experiences—even though he never recounts the hideous things. I’m grateful our boys have grown up with respect for such service. And that they know to remove their hats and stand up for the flag and those who bear it. And that they are quick to place their hands over their hearts for our national anthem.
The youth pastor at my family’s church served 8 months in Iraq. He came home much skinnier, thankfully unwounded, but he too suffered nightmares. His sacrifice has taught us much.
These examples of sacrificial service go far to inspire us to serve others-- in all kinds of ways.
Did your choir sing for Memorial Day? We sang a lovely a cappella arrangement of the tune “Finlandia”, A Song of Peace. “This is my song, O God of all the nations, a song of peace for lands afar, and mine.”
May God grant it to be so!
My father-in-law has numerous bits of brass living with him these 50+ years from serving our nation and the world during WWII. The nightmares return when he is asked to speak to school groups about his experiences—even though he never recounts the hideous things. I’m grateful our boys have grown up with respect for such service. And that they know to remove their hats and stand up for the flag and those who bear it. And that they are quick to place their hands over their hearts for our national anthem.
The youth pastor at my family’s church served 8 months in Iraq. He came home much skinnier, thankfully unwounded, but he too suffered nightmares. His sacrifice has taught us much.
These examples of sacrificial service go far to inspire us to serve others-- in all kinds of ways.
Did your choir sing for Memorial Day? We sang a lovely a cappella arrangement of the tune “Finlandia”, A Song of Peace. “This is my song, O God of all the nations, a song of peace for lands afar, and mine.”
May God grant it to be so!
Friday, May 22, 2009
God Sings! So Do We
I’ve heard it said that one unique feature of Christianity is that we sing. Songs of praise, worship, encouragement, exhortation, confidence… we are a singing people. Ever wonder why?
Some might say (and rightly so) it’s for the joy and hope we have as God’s redeemed children. And in that one word “children”, we may have our best answer. Ephesians 5:1says, "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children."
I grew up in a musical family. My parents sang, so I sang. I imitated my parents. We imitate our Father God. And we know God is a singer because of Zephaniah 3:17-- "The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."
Did you ever think that Jesus and His disciples probably sang songs of worship and praise together?
Scripture tells us in Hebrews 2:11,12 that Jesus sings:"Both the One who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. He (Jesus) says, "I will declare Your name to My brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing Your praises."
So let’s get imitating our Lord. Sing!
Some might say (and rightly so) it’s for the joy and hope we have as God’s redeemed children. And in that one word “children”, we may have our best answer. Ephesians 5:1says, "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children."
I grew up in a musical family. My parents sang, so I sang. I imitated my parents. We imitate our Father God. And we know God is a singer because of Zephaniah 3:17-- "The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."
Did you ever think that Jesus and His disciples probably sang songs of worship and praise together?
Scripture tells us in Hebrews 2:11,12 that Jesus sings:"Both the One who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. He (Jesus) says, "I will declare Your name to My brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing Your praises."
So let’s get imitating our Lord. Sing!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
What Shall We Sing? Part 4 (Places to Hear Songs)
My choir sings the last two Sundays of the month, and then we’re done till September. This is one of the times I don’t feel ready to lay it down yet. Yes, the extra time will be handy. But I’ll miss my singers! Still, it’s time to start thinking about new music.
The church music conference I attended for years, Music Minnesota, no longer exists except as Music Florida and Music Texas. I also used to attend a week at Moody and one called Solid Rock in Chicago, neither of which exist anymore. In five days we read through over a hundred octavos (choir pieces) and musicals or cantatas. A few hundred choir directors/music ministers would be given packets supplied by various publishers (Word, Hal Leonard, Hope, etc), and there’d either be a track we’d sing along with or a wonderful accompanist would play and we’d sing, directed by someone representing the publisher (who often would be one of the composers). Like Mary MacDonald, who needed blocks against the dolly wheels or the piano would drive her downtown, or Mark Hayes, with a heart beating for the volunteer choir.
Since I could hear the accompaniment and all four parts, I’d know whether it was for us, and I’d choose the whole year’s music from one conference. So how do we find new pieces without a conference to attend? I’m open to your suggestions! I don’t have the time to spend at a music store just playing through things. This year I went on jwpepper.com and listened to SATB pieces. It was a blessing; I could listen anytime. The service is quite prompt. The church also receives CDs of octavos from publishers, usually also found on jwpepper. The CD is handy for in the car.
I do have a complaint or warning to pass on concerning choosing pieces just from hearing a track. Some publishers are focused on selling the track (or should I say providing a track for those choirs lacking a pianist?), to the point where the piano part is a minimal sketch at best. So then when you go to learn it, it sounds empty and bare. Whole notes, dotted halves, no rhythm! You almost have to get the track, then, just to have a decent accompaniment, unless your pianist plays by ear and can fill in what’s missing.
I appreciate holding the music in my hand so I can see the accompaniment and especially the voice ranges before purchasing. I learned the hard way; not all choirs have tenors who can pop off high A’s or basses who can live above middle C for more than a few beats.
A good thing about jwpepper is that the choir and pianist can listen online, which helps them learn the pieces more easily.
I’d love to hear from you if you can suggest any choir conferences or even reading sessions accessible to someone in the lower half of Wisconsin. Hey, I'd just love to hear from you anyway!
The church music conference I attended for years, Music Minnesota, no longer exists except as Music Florida and Music Texas. I also used to attend a week at Moody and one called Solid Rock in Chicago, neither of which exist anymore. In five days we read through over a hundred octavos (choir pieces) and musicals or cantatas. A few hundred choir directors/music ministers would be given packets supplied by various publishers (Word, Hal Leonard, Hope, etc), and there’d either be a track we’d sing along with or a wonderful accompanist would play and we’d sing, directed by someone representing the publisher (who often would be one of the composers). Like Mary MacDonald, who needed blocks against the dolly wheels or the piano would drive her downtown, or Mark Hayes, with a heart beating for the volunteer choir.
Since I could hear the accompaniment and all four parts, I’d know whether it was for us, and I’d choose the whole year’s music from one conference. So how do we find new pieces without a conference to attend? I’m open to your suggestions! I don’t have the time to spend at a music store just playing through things. This year I went on jwpepper.com and listened to SATB pieces. It was a blessing; I could listen anytime. The service is quite prompt. The church also receives CDs of octavos from publishers, usually also found on jwpepper. The CD is handy for in the car.
I do have a complaint or warning to pass on concerning choosing pieces just from hearing a track. Some publishers are focused on selling the track (or should I say providing a track for those choirs lacking a pianist?), to the point where the piano part is a minimal sketch at best. So then when you go to learn it, it sounds empty and bare. Whole notes, dotted halves, no rhythm! You almost have to get the track, then, just to have a decent accompaniment, unless your pianist plays by ear and can fill in what’s missing.
I appreciate holding the music in my hand so I can see the accompaniment and especially the voice ranges before purchasing. I learned the hard way; not all choirs have tenors who can pop off high A’s or basses who can live above middle C for more than a few beats.
A good thing about jwpepper is that the choir and pianist can listen online, which helps them learn the pieces more easily.
I’d love to hear from you if you can suggest any choir conferences or even reading sessions accessible to someone in the lower half of Wisconsin. Hey, I'd just love to hear from you anyway!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
What Songs Shall We Sing? Part 3 (Love, the Plumb Line)
Shortly after I began directing, I attended my first church music conference. I heard lots of “high church” choral music. I tucked away some good ideas for instrumental additions. I was intimidated by the faculty, and impressed with how knowledgeable they were, and how far above me. One phrase a clinician shared came home with me, and I adopted it for (thankfully) just a few months:
“If the music is over your head, raise your head.”
I’m ashamed I could ever have followed this advice. Can you imagine Jesus instructing His followers so?
Peter and John come to Jesus. John says, “Lord, we worked up a wonderful classical piece; it glorifies the Father better than anything we’ve ever attempted. But the people don’t seem to like it.”
Peter adds, “They’re grumbling and complaining like our ancestors
did when they were given manna and wanted to go back to ordinary food. We were just trying to impress them (I mean You). They say they don’t understand Latin. Should we give them ordinary songs instead?”
Jesus looks irritated. He says, “Here’s what you say when they don’t like songs that are above their usual fare. Tell them if the music’s over their heads, they’d better raise their heads.”
NO, no, no!
Here’s what Jesus really says:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant…” (Philippians 2:3-7)
Disclaimer:
I’m not suggesting classical music is snooty by definition. Songs aren't; people can be.
I’m not saying ordinary folk are unable or unwilling to appreciate classical music.
I’m not counseling you to stay away from classical music.
By all means, use classical pieces. But ask the Lord to reveal your motives. Choose songs
out of love for your listeners. If you minister to a group that absolutely hates a certain
style of music, don’t try to educate them by forcing it down their throats! Ask the Lord how
to minister to them in love. Let Him guide your choices. Offer your people a variety of styles,
but let love be the plumb line you use.
“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a
resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” (1 Corinthians 13:1)i
If the music is over their heads, check your heart.
p.s. Also check out the heart of a church music conference before you spend money on it! That first one I attended was the only one that taught a wrong heart attitude. The others have nourished me and my choirs for eternity.
“If the music is over your head, raise your head.”
I’m ashamed I could ever have followed this advice. Can you imagine Jesus instructing His followers so?
Peter and John come to Jesus. John says, “Lord, we worked up a wonderful classical piece; it glorifies the Father better than anything we’ve ever attempted. But the people don’t seem to like it.”
Peter adds, “They’re grumbling and complaining like our ancestors
did when they were given manna and wanted to go back to ordinary food. We were just trying to impress them (I mean You). They say they don’t understand Latin. Should we give them ordinary songs instead?”
Jesus looks irritated. He says, “Here’s what you say when they don’t like songs that are above their usual fare. Tell them if the music’s over their heads, they’d better raise their heads.”
NO, no, no!
Here’s what Jesus really says:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant…” (Philippians 2:3-7)
Disclaimer:
I’m not suggesting classical music is snooty by definition. Songs aren't; people can be.
I’m not saying ordinary folk are unable or unwilling to appreciate classical music.
I’m not counseling you to stay away from classical music.
By all means, use classical pieces. But ask the Lord to reveal your motives. Choose songs
out of love for your listeners. If you minister to a group that absolutely hates a certain
style of music, don’t try to educate them by forcing it down their throats! Ask the Lord how
to minister to them in love. Let Him guide your choices. Offer your people a variety of styles,
but let love be the plumb line you use.
“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a
resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” (1 Corinthians 13:1)i
If the music is over their heads, check your heart.
p.s. Also check out the heart of a church music conference before you spend money on it! That first one I attended was the only one that taught a wrong heart attitude. The others have nourished me and my choirs for eternity.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
What Songs Shall We Sing? Part 2 (Variety)
Going back to last week’s post on how to choose choir songs:
I wouldn’t want you to think that the lyrics are the only criteria I use in choosing choir pieces.
It might get dull to have a slow piece in 3 in the key of F several weeks in a row. Not even twice in a row. It’s a good idea to mix up the tempos and the styles.
I don’t like to saddle the choir with too many difficult pieces at once, either. If we have one or two really tough ones, I’ll come along with an easy or well-known one.
Do the sopranos always get the melody? Break it up and give the other voices a chance to sing lead. Add other instruments now and then for a fresh approach.
Do you find yourself in a rut with the styles of songs you’re choosing? Are you stuck on hymns, classical pieces, southern gospel, or any other particular style?
Go for variety to reach your congregation. Some may tune out a message because they dislike the genre. But next week you may hit on a style that will make their ears perk up.
Consider your listeners when choosing songs. What are their ages? What would be their musical tastes? If you know a number of people are highly offended by contemporary choruses, you might want to avoid them.
God’s Word does not specify in what style to sing “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs”. This gives us a good deal of freedom. Just remember not to allow that freedom to cause a brother (or sister) to fall. Always choose music in a spirit of love.
Above all, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3) Look to the Lord for guidance, trust Him to direct you, and know that He is able to make the songs you choose be the right ones. Do it all for His glory and His renown.
I wouldn’t want you to think that the lyrics are the only criteria I use in choosing choir pieces.
It might get dull to have a slow piece in 3 in the key of F several weeks in a row. Not even twice in a row. It’s a good idea to mix up the tempos and the styles.
I don’t like to saddle the choir with too many difficult pieces at once, either. If we have one or two really tough ones, I’ll come along with an easy or well-known one.
Do the sopranos always get the melody? Break it up and give the other voices a chance to sing lead. Add other instruments now and then for a fresh approach.
Do you find yourself in a rut with the styles of songs you’re choosing? Are you stuck on hymns, classical pieces, southern gospel, or any other particular style?
Go for variety to reach your congregation. Some may tune out a message because they dislike the genre. But next week you may hit on a style that will make their ears perk up.
Consider your listeners when choosing songs. What are their ages? What would be their musical tastes? If you know a number of people are highly offended by contemporary choruses, you might want to avoid them.
God’s Word does not specify in what style to sing “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs”. This gives us a good deal of freedom. Just remember not to allow that freedom to cause a brother (or sister) to fall. Always choose music in a spirit of love.
Above all, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3) Look to the Lord for guidance, trust Him to direct you, and know that He is able to make the songs you choose be the right ones. Do it all for His glory and His renown.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Hemmed In, From Texas to Wisconsin
Today’s entry is a recap of my adventurous trip to Dallas to see my son’s college graduation. We’ll wait and see how the Lord will tie it in with this choir blog!
What a whirlwind week! In addition to my normal workweek, we had two dress rehearsals (each took around 5 hrs of our day) and the final homeschool choir concert. Got home at 10 p.m and packed, ready to leave at 1:30 a.m. for Minneapolis, and my first flight ever. I landed deaf at Dallas/Fort Worth airport (something wrong with the air pressure in the jet) and somehow connected with my son’s friends who picked me up and dropped me off at the correct building of Christ For the Nations Institute, only 15 minutes late for graduation. I walked into the packed auditorium (still mostly deaf), saw my son playing percussion up on stage with the rest of the praise band, his face lifted to the heavens, his heart fully engaged in worship, doing what he was created to do—doing what we all were created to do (Ephesians 1:11,12—we were created for the praise of His glory). He had reserved a seat for me down front, and I finally found it among the worshipers standing with hands lifted. In the midst of joyful tears (I often weep when supremely happy) at seeing my son again after 4 months, I was able to bask in my Lord’s presence, too.
For a short while there at commencement, time was suspended.
It resumed afterward when David introduced me to many friends I’d heard of and prayed for but never met. A reception in the cafeteria allowed me my first meal since peanut butter and jelly the day before. At 7 p.m. we headed north into a huge electric storm over the south of Oklahoma. Got a motel room somewhere (!) at midnight, then off the next morning.
Just past Kansas City around 1:45, we had barely rounded a corner and BAM! The left front tire blew out. Such a rumble and jostling—David couldn’t steer. By God’s grace we were already in the left lane, and the car wanted to veer left. There was not more than a 2 foot shoulder, with a fence and tall grass hindering us from getting all the way off the road. Picking off the dozens of spiders living in the grass, we unloaded David’s worldly goods from his trunk to try and find the jack and spare. I watched cars race past, barely missing us, and it began to dawn on me (filtering through a bit of shock) that this was dangerous. As I shrank from the speeding traffic, a pickup was forced off into the ditch just opposite us. I called Tom, who told me to call 911, and three squad cars ended up there to protect us, the officers standing in harm’s way so we wouldn’t be hit. They called in a tow truck. By 5:30 we had a proper idea of the close call we’d had. That corner, where Hwy 69 crosses over I35 at Liberty, Missouri, is the most hazardous around. There are daily wrecks. There are deaths. Others don’t stop. They don’t even slow down!
We found a motel late that night and made it home around 2:00 on Mother’s Day.
Interesting how a person can experience such contrasts in a short two days. From ground level to 37,000 feet. From hearing to not hearing. From 50 degrees to 94 degrees. From North to South. From harried rushing to timeless worship. From steady, driven activity to sitting still for 17 hours. From the safety of an enclosed vehicle to the vulnerability of standing a couple of feet from hurtling metal.
“You hem me in—behind and before; You have laid Your hand upon me… Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.” (Psalm 139:5, 7-10)
What a whirlwind week! In addition to my normal workweek, we had two dress rehearsals (each took around 5 hrs of our day) and the final homeschool choir concert. Got home at 10 p.m and packed, ready to leave at 1:30 a.m. for Minneapolis, and my first flight ever. I landed deaf at Dallas/Fort Worth airport (something wrong with the air pressure in the jet) and somehow connected with my son’s friends who picked me up and dropped me off at the correct building of Christ For the Nations Institute, only 15 minutes late for graduation. I walked into the packed auditorium (still mostly deaf), saw my son playing percussion up on stage with the rest of the praise band, his face lifted to the heavens, his heart fully engaged in worship, doing what he was created to do—doing what we all were created to do (Ephesians 1:11,12—we were created for the praise of His glory). He had reserved a seat for me down front, and I finally found it among the worshipers standing with hands lifted. In the midst of joyful tears (I often weep when supremely happy) at seeing my son again after 4 months, I was able to bask in my Lord’s presence, too.
For a short while there at commencement, time was suspended.
It resumed afterward when David introduced me to many friends I’d heard of and prayed for but never met. A reception in the cafeteria allowed me my first meal since peanut butter and jelly the day before. At 7 p.m. we headed north into a huge electric storm over the south of Oklahoma. Got a motel room somewhere (!) at midnight, then off the next morning.
Just past Kansas City around 1:45, we had barely rounded a corner and BAM! The left front tire blew out. Such a rumble and jostling—David couldn’t steer. By God’s grace we were already in the left lane, and the car wanted to veer left. There was not more than a 2 foot shoulder, with a fence and tall grass hindering us from getting all the way off the road. Picking off the dozens of spiders living in the grass, we unloaded David’s worldly goods from his trunk to try and find the jack and spare. I watched cars race past, barely missing us, and it began to dawn on me (filtering through a bit of shock) that this was dangerous. As I shrank from the speeding traffic, a pickup was forced off into the ditch just opposite us. I called Tom, who told me to call 911, and three squad cars ended up there to protect us, the officers standing in harm’s way so we wouldn’t be hit. They called in a tow truck. By 5:30 we had a proper idea of the close call we’d had. That corner, where Hwy 69 crosses over I35 at Liberty, Missouri, is the most hazardous around. There are daily wrecks. There are deaths. Others don’t stop. They don’t even slow down!
We found a motel late that night and made it home around 2:00 on Mother’s Day.
Interesting how a person can experience such contrasts in a short two days. From ground level to 37,000 feet. From hearing to not hearing. From 50 degrees to 94 degrees. From North to South. From harried rushing to timeless worship. From steady, driven activity to sitting still for 17 hours. From the safety of an enclosed vehicle to the vulnerability of standing a couple of feet from hurtling metal.
“You hem me in—behind and before; You have laid Your hand upon me… Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.” (Psalm 139:5, 7-10)
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
The Right Choice: What Songs Shall We Sing? (Spirit-led)
Most church choirs are winding down for the season, taking the summer off. And many directors use the time to prepare for next fall. How do you choose what the choir will serve up next season?
When I first began directing, it was in a church that followed a liturgical calendar. Scripture verses were laid out months in advance. I’d look up each of three passages listed for a Sunday, and peruse the files for fitting songs. The choir always sang something that echoed a Sunday’s readings.
That didn’t work well at the next, non-liturgical church, where the pastor chose the Scripture and preached on it. He might know what it would be only a week ahead, and at times, he’d feel led to change it at the last minute. Since a choir needs at least a few weeks to prepare (I tried to give them five rehearsals or more with a piece), I had to choose songs as I went and trust that they’d fit. I learned to pray, “Lord, let the ones I choose be the right ones.” More often than not, it would appear as though the song had been hand-picked to fit the Scripture and message. If not, someone from the congregation would usually come to me and tell me what the piece meant to him, and how timely it was in his life.
After my children came, I needed to streamline my time. I’d attend a summer church music conference, take my calendar, and come away with all the choir pieces for the entire year. I knew the Lord would lead me to the right songs, or make the ones I chose be the right ones (however He does that!).
Now I’m in a liturgical setting again with the choir, and I tried to go back to choosing music by the given Scripture readings. As it turns out, the Lord had something else in mind, and we’ve often had to swap what I planned for a Sunday with a different piece. What was the Lord asking of me? No formula I’d used seemed to work.
Ah, there it is. The Spirit of God does not work according to formulas. It’s a brand-new trusting ground. He seems to say, “You, clay. I, Potter. You listen. I lead. You prepare, you be flexible, you trust. I never disappoint.”
How do you find yourself led in choosing music? Do you enlist help from your accompanist or choir members? Let’s get a dialogue going.
When I first began directing, it was in a church that followed a liturgical calendar. Scripture verses were laid out months in advance. I’d look up each of three passages listed for a Sunday, and peruse the files for fitting songs. The choir always sang something that echoed a Sunday’s readings.
That didn’t work well at the next, non-liturgical church, where the pastor chose the Scripture and preached on it. He might know what it would be only a week ahead, and at times, he’d feel led to change it at the last minute. Since a choir needs at least a few weeks to prepare (I tried to give them five rehearsals or more with a piece), I had to choose songs as I went and trust that they’d fit. I learned to pray, “Lord, let the ones I choose be the right ones.” More often than not, it would appear as though the song had been hand-picked to fit the Scripture and message. If not, someone from the congregation would usually come to me and tell me what the piece meant to him, and how timely it was in his life.
After my children came, I needed to streamline my time. I’d attend a summer church music conference, take my calendar, and come away with all the choir pieces for the entire year. I knew the Lord would lead me to the right songs, or make the ones I chose be the right ones (however He does that!).
Now I’m in a liturgical setting again with the choir, and I tried to go back to choosing music by the given Scripture readings. As it turns out, the Lord had something else in mind, and we’ve often had to swap what I planned for a Sunday with a different piece. What was the Lord asking of me? No formula I’d used seemed to work.
Ah, there it is. The Spirit of God does not work according to formulas. It’s a brand-new trusting ground. He seems to say, “You, clay. I, Potter. You listen. I lead. You prepare, you be flexible, you trust. I never disappoint.”
How do you find yourself led in choosing music? Do you enlist help from your accompanist or choir members? Let’s get a dialogue going.
Monday, May 4, 2009
What Are We Feeding Them?
I sat next to a little boy of about 7 at the rescue mission. He had a pale, pixie-shaped little face framed by masses of curly hair. His hands were thin and needed washing, and he wore a girl’s short-sleeved filthy white shirt. It was cold that evening. His mother and brother sat behind us, laughing together as they mocked individual teens from the home school choir performing for them. One time he turned around to face them, and his mother’s voice spat at him,
“You turn around. You’re worthless!”
The few times I gently spoke to him, he startled as though afraid of being hit.
As I’ve prayed for him and his family, I’ve been pondering what makes people stay in abusive situations. He has no choice, of course, as young as he is, but I wonder if there is more abuse there; perhaps a father or the mother’s husband or a boyfriend.
A day or so later in my morning devotions, I came across Proverbs 27:7--
“He who is full loathes honey, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.”
I think that’s the key. To a little boy craving attention, or a young woman desperately wanting to be loved, even what is hurtful will be better than nothing.
Which brings me to my point. An important part of our job as a choir is to feed Jesus’s sheep, as Peter was told to do. All around us are people running on empty in some way. Some of us minister in areas full of young boys needing a little soap and water and a lot of love and acceptance. Others minister to people who appear to need nothing, but inside might be crying out for love and acceptance, for someone to care whether they warm a spot in a pew or not. People who would like to know they have worth, they are needed.
What are we feeding the flock? Look at the lyrics of the pieces you’re learning. Yes, they should praise, worship, and glorify our wonderful God. But let’s also mix in the songs that will minister to the needs of our congregations. Tell them He loves them. Sing His Word to them. Tell them He rejoices over them with singing! (Zeph. 3:17)
Let’s make it our goal to fill our people so full they won’t even want honey.
Do you have suggestions for great choir pieces that minister to the congregation? Let us know!
“You turn around. You’re worthless!”
The few times I gently spoke to him, he startled as though afraid of being hit.
As I’ve prayed for him and his family, I’ve been pondering what makes people stay in abusive situations. He has no choice, of course, as young as he is, but I wonder if there is more abuse there; perhaps a father or the mother’s husband or a boyfriend.
A day or so later in my morning devotions, I came across Proverbs 27:7--
“He who is full loathes honey, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.”
I think that’s the key. To a little boy craving attention, or a young woman desperately wanting to be loved, even what is hurtful will be better than nothing.
Which brings me to my point. An important part of our job as a choir is to feed Jesus’s sheep, as Peter was told to do. All around us are people running on empty in some way. Some of us minister in areas full of young boys needing a little soap and water and a lot of love and acceptance. Others minister to people who appear to need nothing, but inside might be crying out for love and acceptance, for someone to care whether they warm a spot in a pew or not. People who would like to know they have worth, they are needed.
What are we feeding the flock? Look at the lyrics of the pieces you’re learning. Yes, they should praise, worship, and glorify our wonderful God. But let’s also mix in the songs that will minister to the needs of our congregations. Tell them He loves them. Sing His Word to them. Tell them He rejoices over them with singing! (Zeph. 3:17)
Let’s make it our goal to fill our people so full they won’t even want honey.
Do you have suggestions for great choir pieces that minister to the congregation? Let us know!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Ssh! No Talking!
Wanna know how to get hoarse in a hurry?
Talk. Especially among a group of people. Like at a potluck, or in a gym, or on a bus. I was reminded of this vocal health hazard last weekend as my son's homeschool choir went on tour. Seven concerts was vocally taxing enough, but couple that with the forty-one teens (and around ten chaperones) on the bus all trying to be heard at once, and you've got some major vocal abuse to report.
The remedy? Do you keep shushing these lively youngsters (and their chaperones)? May as well shush the 4a.m. avian crowd these days.
I recall times when I was a guest soloist for a church function (at which in Wisconsin at least it goes without saying that there'll be home-cooked food served) (which is another subject all to itself concerning vocal health!) and the bottom dropped right out of my voice by the time I was to sing, and all because of friendly conversation--trying to be heard over the other voices in the room. And I had arrived in great vocal shape. If you're struggling vocally to begin with, it's even worse.
Back to trying to shush your bunch: not a viable solution. If you find yourself or your choir in a situation where you'll be in a talking group of people before singing, try these things:
1. Warm up your voice in the morning before speaking. This will also raise your awareness level so you're less likely to misuse your voice.
2. If you're part of a choir, try to gather them together for warmups before turning them loose as a group.
3. If you're responsible just for yourself, simply being aware of the dangers can help you not to join loud potluck conversations, to limit how much you speak, and to smile and nod a good deal more. Try keeping your mouth full of food.
4. Remind your choir (or yourself) to support the speaking voice in the same way the singing voice should be supported.
4 1/2. Please stay away from lemon juice! That's an old wives' tale not based on good sense. It's caustic on the throat and gives an unpleasant pucker to the face to boot. Try water. Not iced.
5. If the group members are attending Saturday night hockey games, are football players, or cheerleaders, you're on your own. The only remedy I know of for those things is a cancelled game.
Talk. Especially among a group of people. Like at a potluck, or in a gym, or on a bus. I was reminded of this vocal health hazard last weekend as my son's homeschool choir went on tour. Seven concerts was vocally taxing enough, but couple that with the forty-one teens (and around ten chaperones) on the bus all trying to be heard at once, and you've got some major vocal abuse to report.
The remedy? Do you keep shushing these lively youngsters (and their chaperones)? May as well shush the 4a.m. avian crowd these days.
I recall times when I was a guest soloist for a church function (at which in Wisconsin at least it goes without saying that there'll be home-cooked food served) (which is another subject all to itself concerning vocal health!) and the bottom dropped right out of my voice by the time I was to sing, and all because of friendly conversation--trying to be heard over the other voices in the room. And I had arrived in great vocal shape. If you're struggling vocally to begin with, it's even worse.
Back to trying to shush your bunch: not a viable solution. If you find yourself or your choir in a situation where you'll be in a talking group of people before singing, try these things:
1. Warm up your voice in the morning before speaking. This will also raise your awareness level so you're less likely to misuse your voice.
2. If you're part of a choir, try to gather them together for warmups before turning them loose as a group.
3. If you're responsible just for yourself, simply being aware of the dangers can help you not to join loud potluck conversations, to limit how much you speak, and to smile and nod a good deal more. Try keeping your mouth full of food.
4. Remind your choir (or yourself) to support the speaking voice in the same way the singing voice should be supported.
4 1/2. Please stay away from lemon juice! That's an old wives' tale not based on good sense. It's caustic on the throat and gives an unpleasant pucker to the face to boot. Try water. Not iced.
5. If the group members are attending Saturday night hockey games, are football players, or cheerleaders, you're on your own. The only remedy I know of for those things is a cancelled game.
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