spirited & singing

Advent this year

2011-11-29T21:59:00.001+11:00

Happy New Liturgical Year.

As 2011 draws rather speedily to a close, the new liturgical year begins as we enter the season of Advent.

A range of resources including raps, soundscapes, songs and innovative ways to use music for worship is available here.

Don't forget to add your voice to our poll on accompaniment - just a month to go. We'll need a lot more votes to make sense of how our church is accompanying song. You'll find it in the left hand column of this blog.

Wishing you all an ADVENTurous month ahead.

Event: Hope for Creation - a day of prayer

2011-10-18T11:30:00.002+11:00

In Australia a large number in the population are all aflutter about our new carbon tax which is expected to pass through the Senate.

Those who'd like to respond positively and hopefully to the polarised context might like to consider Hope For Creation, a Day of Prayer on Sunday 6th November 2011, offering a Christian response to the issue of Climate Change. As a subscriber to this movement, you pledge to pray.Theres a Facebook page and a website including song and liturgy ideas which reads:
'As stewards of God’s creation, we invite all Christians to join us in praying for our earth, our children’s futures, and our poorest neighbours who are hit first and hardest by climate change.'

Tor register and for more information:www.hopeforcreation.com.au

You may also be interested in Song: And it was very good

Event: Fay White - These People, This Place: Everyday Grace

2011-10-17T19:42:00.000+11:00

Fay White is well known on these shores as a terrific songwriter, performer, and encourager of community music. We worked together many years back on the musical component of the Lacuna Project, a collection of resources encouraging the those particularly in the Uniting Church into a contemplative space in which moments of grace might be recognised.

So, when word of a new collection of songs to be launched this weekend came my way, I found I wanted to share the news with you.

The Melbourne launch of this new album, These people, this place: everyday grace collects the best of Fay's commissioned works of this past decade, together with a handful of songs never recorded before. The launch will be held at Northcote Uniting Church, 251 High St, Northcote, at 7.30pm.

'It has been beautifully recorded by Mark Woods,' writes Fay, 'and reflects his capacity to create sparkling audio texture. A fabulous line-up of musicians will bring their magic to the accompaniments and also combine to play songs from their own repertoires in the second half. It will be a delicious evening of music.'

'Hoping to see you for some catch-up and re-union and a good sing. And a bit of heart, hope and humour in the midst of dastardly daily news.'

Please pass on these tidings to anyone you know may be interested.

Tickets $15. Booking strongly recommended - 5461 5471

More about Fay

How Does the Church Accompany Song in 2011?

2011-09-13T10:24:00.001+10:00

We are a diverse church. That's a given. But we are also living in a time where the pace of change and the opportunities technology presents have reached fever pitch.

Like the Industrial Revolution did, this Technological Revolution now affects every aspect of our lives, not least the life of our church.

Or does it?

Is technological diversity revolutionising the way we do music in church? Or are we sticking with the old ways. Is technology enabling your community to enhance it's musical life like it has never done before? How? What are the advantages of such change, and what do we lose by pursuing them? Is the church something of a sanctuary from the clutter of technology, or is it poorer for disregarding it? Perhaps your community is a trail blazer in this sphere.

Many communities use a variety of means to accompany community singing, and that's great. I am interested in exploring the emerging 'norms' or preferences in 2011. To this end, please add your voice to the poll on accompaniment. You'll find it on the left column of this blog.

And please, comment here if you have something to offer on the subject.

You may also be interested in Percussion Perspective.

Let Us With A Gladsome Mind (Tune: Monkland)

2011-08-25T15:20:00.002+10:00

In this series on revisiting old treasures you may find this old hymn is not as stodgy as you have been led to believe. Look at some of our oldest hymns through new eyes and they often take on new life.

Standing Back - Taking Stock

If you check out the form of this hymn you'll notice a few interesting things straight away. In most hymnals the last two lines of each stanza text are indented, and contain the same text each time. This is of course because this hymn is a setting a psalm 136, and these two lines are a refrain, or chorus as such.

What this may suggest is that the last two lines of each stanza be sung by the whole gathering, and that the first two lines be treated differently each time. This will give the hymn a natural momentum that is harder to attain if everyone sings every single bit of the song. But it may also heighten the significance of the text as people will tuned into to the text they are not singing themselves.

Some ways to achieve this may be as follows:

1. Various solosists sing the first two lines and the athered people sing the refrain.

2. Left side sings the first two lines and right side the second (or alternate)

3. Female voices and males voices

4. Adults and children

5. First two lines of each verse sing first by women, second verse by men, third verse by kids, foruth by a soloists and so on.

Putting the Hymn into Context

Knowledge about composer is usually very illuminating and informs the treatment of songs. John Milton's paraphrase of Psalm 136, was set to music by John Antes, a American born composer of Moravian descent, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1740, and died in England in 1811. He was a violin maker, watchmaker, inventor, missionary, theoretician, businessman and composer.

Reflecting the Character of the Text Musically

"Let us with a gladsome mind, praise the Lord for He is kind"

In the past I have most often sung this hymn in a slow four, with the emphasis on each beat. I'm not sure this was particularly successful in promoting a gladsome mind, as the result was more grandiose and even pompous in manner. Remember that in the late 1700's it is likely this hymn was sung a cappella, and that John Antes's four parts were intended for vocalists, not instrumental accompaniment.

You may notice several things if you wander around the house singing the melody alone:

The melody is more likely 2 minim beats in a bar, not 4.
It has a lovely lilting melody. Lets face it, there are way too many mono-rhythmic hymns but this one has quavers! (cheer loudly and with enthusiasm)
The vocal range is quite broad, with a range over an octave.
It has a light, dance-like quality which is in danger of being weighed down by hyper-harmonisation.

Instrumentation

This hymn is one of those which is more decisive when sung in unison and acappella (unaccompanied) than accompanied with an instrument. Consider that it's composer was a violin maker and utilise a violist in your midst if you have one, to play a counter melody. Ditching the vocal harmonies and accompanying with a single drum playing a simple rhythm works a treat.

Metronome Markings

As I have suggested previously, tempo should be governed by the intrinsic nature of a song, and not the capacity of the resident accompanist. Harmonisation, such as is prescribed in many hymnbooks, invariably slows the pace, and impedes the joy and lilting quality of this song.

In the Uniting Church's hymnal, Together in Song, the suggested speed is MM116-132. Quite a broad spectrum! You will adopt your own pace. Remember those in smaller gathering will find it easier to adopt a more sprightly pace. Having said that, a large gathering, when well led by a songleader, should have no trouble singing at MM 132 (crotcher) or MM 66 (minim).

What is a Metronome?

Don't Have a Metronome?

A metronome is an essential tool for musicians. They are available for purchase at music stores, but you would do just as well to download one onto whatever media tool you use. If you're buying a metronome, make sure it has a sound-free option. This means you can check the speed via a flashing light - very important in the midst of worship, or during a perfromance. A free metronome app is available for iphones, ipads, ipods, for PC users, blackberries etc.

Poll: How does the Church Accompany Song in 2011?

For more ideas about accompanying hymns creatively visit Revisiting Old Treasures.

For tips about using drums in church Percussion Perspective.

Soundscape: The Israelites Cross the Red Sea

2011-08-17T10:25:00.001+10:00

On Sunday 11th September the account of the parting of the Red Sea is included in the lectionary readings. To this end I offer the Soundscape: The Israelites Cross the Red Sea to accompany Exodus 14: 19-31.

This soundscape requires 7 players, a few everyday items and, depending on your preference, may involve the participation of the gathered people. You may choose to reduce the number of players should you so wish (eg: have a chorus of 3 voices instead of 4, and use the chorus members to manipulate other sounds).

Please remember soundscapes are aural, not visual, presentations and balanced amplification of each sound and speaker is crucial to success. I cannot stress the importance of rehearsal strongly enough.

The soundscape is freely available for use in worship with due acknowledgement. If you do make use of this soundscape, I'd be interested to hear about your experience.

More about soundscapes

People 'Like' Those Who Like the Same Music

2011-08-12T11:37:00.002+10:00

Ever wondered why music can be an enormous battlefield in churches? After all there are few altercations surrounding the flower arrangement, or the strength of the tea. When it comes to tea, I tend to hover until the colour deepens to my taste. Why is it so many church folk drink it weak-black? Someone should do a study on THAT!

But I digress....

Specific and even intense musical taste is not confined to the church. A new psychological study explores why we connect more closely with those who share similar music tastes. I hope you find it illuminating.

Sounds Outside the Square

2011-06-22T13:08:00.000+10:00

Hands up those who've ever switched off during a bible reading? Perhaps it has something to do with delivery. This coming month the Revised Common Lectionary includes numerous opportunities to think outside the square with sound, and reviving effective story-telling in your faith community.

Over the forthcoming July - August period alone, sounds that are suggested or stated include birds singing, wind blowing, thunder storm, crowds talking, individuals and crowds walking on dry earth, water by the lake, water lapping against a boat, birds, people, water dripping, fishing, a donkey, a marketplace, murmured conversation and drinking water. I'm certain there are many more. Some, such as the kingdom of heaven is like series, may allow for a single sound to be played in a loop as a background to the reading. Sounds such as crowds, or water lapping on the shore would work well here.

Thanks to the age of computers, faith communities have access to all the wonderous resources available online. You can accompany readings with wind sounds by using applications on your computers, such as windmachine. Alternatively visit one of the sound effect libraries.stores such as Soundeffect which has literally thousands of sounds to purchase for between $2 - $5. Given so many of these sounds reappear in our stories, this may prove a worthwhile investment: animals, crowd, beach, footsteps, birds, weather, eating, wind in the grass, chimes, rooster crowing, carpentry.

Thinking literally goes without saying, but imagining what is implied by the story you are reading is quite liberating. In an upcoming 1 Kings reading, Elijah shelters in a cave. I imagine there may have been dripping water in that cave, or perhaps birds nesting inside.

If you prefer a more hands-on approach, consider enlisting your gathering to make sound effects in your faith community. You can simulate your own rain shower or thunder storm in a fun participatory way..

Your imagination is a gift, as are our stories - don't hide either under a bushel!
And please, share your ideas with others here on this blog.

You may also be interested in Soundscapes and Sounds Like Pentecost

Songmakers: short course for songleaders

2011-06-15T10:34:00.000+10:00

Songmakers is a four week course for beginner and experienced songleaders. It's a practical and interactive course I ran many years back when I was employed by the Uniting Church, and I reckon its time to offer it again.

If you think there's interest in such a thing in your area, have a look-see at the details and then get the ball rolling by making contact.

The Bright Wind is Blowing

2011-06-05T17:21:00.011+10:00

Ah Pentecost - the time of year when the imagined suddenly seems possible. Althought not strictly an "old treasure", The Bright Wind is Blowing suggests creative accompaniment. It is something of a puzzle to me why this song, so rich in pentecostal imagery, is included in the section Jesus Christ: Lord and Redeemer rather than Holy Spirit. But I digress... This song was written by John Maynard (1925-85) to the words of Cecily Taylor (1930- ). It is number 263 in TIS (Together in Song), the most recently sanctioned hymnal of the Uniting Church in Australia.

'The Bright Wind' sung in Victoria (Aust) recently was
accompanied with flute, recorder and bodhran.

Sadly it is broadly assumed to be an "organ hymn" by virtue of inclusion in TIS. By assuming all songs contained in hymnals stem from the same era and continent, we inhibit and belittle what is a richly diverse collection of world music across many times, peoples and cultures.

Why choose this one?
This song is in a minor key. So what, you say. This may sound trivial, but the reality is most music is written in major keys. This means alternative tonalities may have greater impact than we realise. Another less common feature about this song is that it is in triple time enabling it with a freedom and dance quality others songs may lack. Furthermore, "hymns" often have melodies that move predominently by step (one note to the very next) but here we welcome a more expansive quality which is refreshing and entirely singable.

Imagining Creative Accompaniment
The most productive way I find to settle on song accompaniment is simply to sing it around for awhile, without subscribing to the prescribed accompaniment. Pick the melody out on your instruments initially, but then move away: sing it in the shower, hum it over the ironing, and whistle it while cycling. In an hour or so, you'll have begun to adopt a flavour - one that comes naturally to you. This process will undoubtedly suggest a tempo and instrumentation.

Full-On-Flavour
You will come up with your own ideas. Here's mine. I was drawn into the triple time feel, and found myself imagining a gentle dance, slightly emphasising the first beat of each bar, with the first beat of the second bar still being strong but with less emphasis than the first. So we would sing: The bright wind is blowing the bright wind of heaven, and where it is going to no one can say. This shouldn't be deliberate and laboured (and certainly NOT announced), its just a feeling.The metronome speed given in TIS is cathedral pace, and way too slow for my taste. Try singing it unaccompanied and you will find you settle on a comfortable singing speed. This should dictate the pace the instruments play - not the other way around! I like singing this song at about ♩ = 132.

Informed by Imagery
In the intial stages the text can sometimes call instrumentation to mind. This song text makes many wind references, so wind instruments have a certain relevance. It is also the "bright wind" not the "stodgy old wind" , or "stormy", or "gruff", "cold" or "mellow wind".The text includes the unexpected nature of the wind, so an instrumental surprise here and there may be justified.

Instrumentation
Gladly this somg has a counter melody included in TIS (Together in Song), alongside the suggestion it can be played on a woodwind instruments. or even sung. Your faith community may be limited as to the instruments available, so consider your choice carefully. A flute, recorder, tin whistle or trumpet will provide the "bright" timbre required. Harmonica, electric guitar, or glockenspeil will render quite a different effect. Clarinet, oboe or saxophone will produce a mellow quality. Children's voices will lighten, whereas trained adult singers may weigh it down and inhibit the tempo. Only you know the resources contained wthin your community, or just beyond it. There is no need to cling to this counter melody. Feel free to improvise or invent your own, or improvise on the notes given.

Simple percussion contributes to the dance - my preference in fact, is to do away with all instruments except for a drum (either bongos, toms, bodhran or tambour) and a tin whistle. No piano, no guitars and definately give the organ a rest for this one. Even the simplest drumming pattern will lift the singing.

If you do choose to use piano, consider abandoning the given accompaniment and play the guitar chords in a simple pattern alongside the drumming.

Breathing Space
An introduction and space in betweeen verses is important. The simplest way of doing this is to have the drumming begin and your melody instrument of choice play through the song once as an intro. In between verses, just have the drummer play four bars of drumming, and your wind player reprise the last 4 bars of the sung melody, and there you have it.

Teaching it.
If this is new to your community, try this. Don't give them a hymn number, or show them the words. If they have a book or words to look at they'll be reading the words, not learning the song. Trust me. Check out How to teach a Song in 4 Steps.

You may also be interested in
Sounds Like Pentecost
Percussion Perspective
Psalm 107 with Drum
Revisiting Old Treasures.

Song: Never Alone

2011-05-30T10:55:00.002+10:00

Never Alone was born in 2002 out of a collaboration of writers, visual artists, storytellers, dancers, theologians, poets and musicians linked to The Uniting Church in Australia (Victoria), in an initiative titled The Lacuna Project.

Lacuna literally means 'gap' or 'space', and is the term used on ancient manuscripts where there are gaps in the text. The Lacuna Project, coordinated by Rev Joan Wright-Howie, met in Victoria (Australia) over many months, exploring ways in which people might explore their own spirituality. There was a strong desire to balance all our neccesary business and busyness with space for God, and attend intentionally to God's still small voice, embracing vulnerability in order to be filled.

The Lacuna Project produced a kit of resources for personal and community use, including photos, images, poetry, household/garden ideas and music. Importantly the kit was not delivered as a finite bound book, but as a two-holed punch clip folder in which further materials might be inserted along the way. The kit is now out-of-print.

I have provided one of the songs I contributed to the project here. It is a gentle song of reassurance and peace. The only restriction on its use is that it is duly acknowledged. If you make use of it, I'd be delighted to know.

Never Alone vocal score and lyrics
Never Alone piano score

How to teach a song in 4 steps
More songs by Lucy

What to Sing on Holy Humour Sunday?

2011-04-29T10:18:00.008+10:00

Ever heard of Holy Humour Sunday?

I hadn't until this morning. Apparently it has an historical precedent dating back to the 15th century, and I for one think it's an idea worth resurrecting. We lay claim to being people of joy after all, and most of our churches could do with an extra dollop of mirth!

On Christine Longhursts' excellent blog, the historical basis for Holy Humour Sunday is explained, together with ideas for songs, cartoons and more. Here's an excerpt:

"Churches in 15^th century Bavaria used to celebrate the Sunday after Easter as Risus Paschalis (‘God’s Joke,’ or ‘the Easter laugh’). Priests would deliberately include amusing stories and jokes in their sermons in an attempt to make the faithful laugh. After the service, people would gather together to play practical jokes on one another and tell funny stories. It was their way of celebrating the resurrection of Christ – the supreme joke God played on Satan by raising Jesus from the dead.

The observance of Risus Paschalis was officially outlawed by Pope Clement X in the 17^th century. Perhaps people were having too much fun.

In the Orthodox tradition, people would gather on Easter Monday to tell jokes and funny stories, and to dance and eat together.......

In 1988, the Fellowship of Merry Christians began encouraging churches to resurrect some of these Christian traditions—to celebrate the grace and mercy of God through the gift of laughter and joy."

And to finish, a joke shared with me by a boy in a grade two class yesterday which can surely come of use to someone:

Two snakes are slithering along when one says to the other,

"Are we supposed to be poisonous?"

"I don't think so," says the other, "why do you ask?"

"Oh nothing really, I just bit my tongue."

OK, maybe it won't bring the house down. But I'd be pleased if you'd share your jokes and songs ideas here for Holy Humour Sunday.

Here are a few more to get you started:

Q: Why was Moses the most wicked man in the Bible?
A: Because he broke the Ten Commandments all at once. (Exodus 32:19)

Q: At what time of the day was Adam created?
A: A little before Eve.

Q: What man in the Bible had no parents?
A: Joshua, the son of Nun.


Q: Who was the most popular actor in the Bible?
A: Samson. He brought the house down

Boom, boom!

Bible Jokes
Christian Jokes

You may also be interested in Virtual Music Barriers and 8 Top Tips for Getting the Blokes to Sing

Song: Friday Lament

2011-04-03T14:53:00.001+10:00

Introducing new music on Good Friday is a fraught undertaking. People generally take some weeks to be singing new songs with confidence, and introducing Friday themes earlier in the week is not ideal.

Friday Lament is a hauntingly simple song with a highly accessible, accompaniment. In the style of a folk ballad the song begins as a solo and unaccompanied. If you wish you may introduce the simple bass ostinato consisting of just four notes in the first verse. The treble ostinato can be introduced on piano from verse 2 or 3. A simple drum may be played in verses 2, 3, 4 and 6 and the bass part (bass guitar, or on a piano an octave lower than written) throughout. There is to be no other accompaniment.

The soloist sings the first three verses, by which time the gathered community should be able to join in verses 4, 7 and 8.

Friday Lament may be used freely for worship with acknowledgement.
Please let me know if you make use of it.

Print Friday Lament (music)
Print Friday Lament (words)

Check out more seasonal resources

Soundscape: Sounds of the Supper

2011-03-16T13:49:00.007+11:00

On Maundy Thursday, many faith communities will gather to remember the events of the Last Supper. To that end I offer Sounds of the Supper soundscape for use in your faith community.

Please remember soundscape are aural, not visual, presentations and amplification of each sound effect and speaker is crucial to success. Rehearsal with amplification is also important.
What is a soundscape?

The soundscape is freely available for use in worship and for christian education with due acknowledgement. If you do make use of this soundscape, I'd be interested to hear about your experience.

View/Print Sounds of the Supper

More soundscapes
How to write a Soundscape
Sounds Outside the Square
More seasonal resources

Wedding Songs

2011-03-01T16:27:00.006+11:00

Singing as the gathered community of family and friends is one of the few ways for those not in the official party, to participate in a marriage ceremony. Sadly, it seems to be something of a dying practice. This is a pity because song allows space, enhancing moments of reflection, reiteration and joy in what is an important and life-changing event.

Here is a list of contemporary songs, some with familiar tunes, that may find a place in a marriage ceremony.

Will you let me be your servant
Richard Gillard
Source: Together in Song, and many others

As man and woman we were made
Brian Wren (Tune: English trad)
Source: Together in Song

Blessing the Marriage
Wild Goose Resource Group
Source: Love from Below

A Christmas Blessing
Robin Mann
Source: All Together Again

God beyond Glory
Wild Goose Resource Group
Source: Love from Below

Lord and Lover of Creation
Wild Goose Resource Group
Source: Love from Below

Come as you are
Deidre Brown
Source: Gather Australia, Together in Song

For you. deep stillness
Julie Perrin & Robin Mann
Source: God Version One, NCYC 1999

Gifts that last
Wild Goose Resource Group
Source: Love from below

Faith, Hope and Love
Trish Watts
Source: All Together OK, and many others

Give us hearts to know you
Annette Fechner
Source: All Together OK

Take this moment
John L Bell
Source: Love from below, All Together OK

Bridegroom and Bride
John L Bell
Source: Love from below, Gather Australia

Come to a wedding
Shirley Erena Murray
Source: Gather Australia

May the Lord bless you today
Sharney Russell-Schleckner
Source: All Together OK

The Peace of the Earth
Guatemalen Trad, arr John L Bell
Source: There is one among us

Please add your own suggestions.

You may also be interested in
How to Teach a Song in 4 Steps
Songmakers: short course for songleaders
Seasonal resources

Soundscape: The Tree of Knowledge

2011-02-23T13:15:00.004+11:00

On March 13, the Garden of Eden story (Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7) is listed on the Revised Common Lectionary. To that end I offer this soundscape for possible use in your faith community.

The Tree of Knowledge (soundscape)
Please remember soundscape are aural, not visual, presentations and amplification of each sound effect and speaker is crucial to success. Rehearsal with amplification is also important.
What is a soundscape?

The soundscape is freely available for use in worship and for christian education with due acknowledgement. If you do make use of this soundscape, I'd be interested to hear about your experience.

More soundscapes

EVENT: Song Safari with Rachel Hore in Queenscliff

2011-02-16T10:21:00.001+11:00

Queenscliff Uniting Church has culitvated a fine reputation for supporting and promoting community through the arts on the Bellarine Peninsula (Victoria Australia). Those who love singing may be interested in this event, scheduled during Victoria's school holiday break.

What organisers say about the 'safari'

"Come and learn some new songs that will leave your heart singing, your body tapping and your heart light at this feast of choral songs and sounds for all singers. We'll sing beautiful original songs from contemporary Australia as well as songs from around the world."

About Rachel Hore

A much sought after choral singing teacher, Rachel Hore has performed and taught throughout Australia and internationally for over 20 years. Her warm, energetic, and inclusive teaching style have built her reputation as a mentor to singers from Kalgoorlie to Coffs, Burnie to Brisbane and beyond. Rachel organises the annual Wintersong, a choral retreat in the Blue Mountains, and leads cultural singing tours to Fiji, Bali and Europe. www.rachelhore.com

When: Saturday 16th April (10am-4pm) and Sunday 17th April (11am - 3pm)

Where: Queenscliff Uniting Church function centre, cnr Hesse and Stokes St (entry from Hesse St) Queenscliff, Australia.

Numbers strictly limited - book now!

Cost: Early bird price (if paid by Friday 25 March) $105 for whole weekend.

Saturday $80, or Sunday $60.

Contact: Virginia at bellgees@gmail.com for more information, or 0411 952 598.

10 Ways to Recruit Church Musicians

2011-02-10T12:47:00.008+11:00

It's a common enough story. A faith community finds itself without an organist, and sets about advertising for a new one. In this community's mind the person needs to have the same or similar skills to the previous leader. After all, there is an instrument sitting there with no-one to play it. Right?

Wrong. This faith community is making the same mistake as has been made for generations. When musical leadership is posited as the realm of a chosen few, leadership is invariably polarised and participation inhibited. Rather than recognising the gifts of those within the community, the powers-that-be try to enforce the status quo, and miss out on what could be. This is explored in Virtual Music Barriers.

Each faith community is a unique set of challenges in this situation, not least the assumptions the community holds about music. These are often reflected in the response of potential new musicians.

Looking Beyond "No Thanks"
Fear is a potent deterent to musical leadership in the church. Here are a few common responses:

I am not a good enough musician.
I have no experience.
Others will think I'm an upstart because I am not skilled enough.
I can't lead every week.
You need someone younger.
You need someone older.
I'm not like X, I can't do X like he/she could.
I don't play an instrument.
I don't play the organ.
I can't sing.

Each of these responses is based on a perception of what being a church muso looks like. And what it looks like almost always limits possibility. I would argue the Key Selection Criteria for Church Musicians is somewhat broader than this.

My 10 Top suggestions for recruiting musicians attempt to squash each of these fears by providing a solution:

1. Allocate a budget
While this may be used to purchase new music, it can also be a means to invest in the skills of your people through personal development pursuits like...

2. Pay for a term of lessons
If you've a guitarist, singer, trumpeter (doesn't matter what they play) in your midst, your community could offer to pay for a term of lessons with a local teacher.

3. Establish a tutorial system
Those with less experience and expertise might be coupled with a mentor who offers one-on-one assistance.

4. Attend a workshop
Fill a car and travel to a workshop being offered in your state. Not only will you come back inspired with new ideas, but you'll do some good team building with those you travel with.

5. Look beyond your four walls
I have never met a community with no musicians living in it. They are there if you are willing to look. Seek them out and learn from them.

6. Listen beyond your four walls
Be open minded about the music styles that can be welcomed into worship. Listen widely and ask others what they like to sing and listen to. Find out what other faith communities like yours are doing.

7. Encourage your children
Are the children in your community singing? Find out how to get them involved.

8. Take baby steps
Don't move too fast. Be prepared to build slowly. If people lack confidence they will be more comfortable accompanying just one song each week for awhile.Use percussion creatively to accompany other songs.

9. Monster Music Night
Find out about your community. Hold a fun night and invite any kind of performance from groups and individuals in your midst. Be prepared to be amazed.

10. Think beyond the songs
Involve people in musical leadership in less formal ways by considering 6 Sound Innovations for Worship, use soundscapes, make your own instruments, play a music game at your next church meeting.

Effective recruitment is a perennial process. Where it is, most faith communities will find they are able to weather the comings and goings of musicians quite comfortably because they have nurtured and encouraged a community of people with various skills and abilties, and welcomed a variety of styles with grace.

You are welcome to offer your recruitment idea here for others to consider.

You may also be interested in:
How is the Church Accompanying Song in 2011?
8 Top Tips for Getting the Blokes to Sing
A Cappella Sunday
10 Ways to Improve the Band by next Sunday
10 Ways to Fertilise Your Community's Musical Life

And this article from the USA late last year: Tough Times for Church Organists

What's Your Musical Resolution for 2011?

2011-02-08T11:59:00.001+11:00

Now that the year is well underway, you are invited to share your musical resolution for 2011 in the "Get Answers" box. You will find it in the left column of this blog. Your idea may prompt another to make a positive change, so be brave and tell us what you hope will be different in 2011.

If you can't think of anything, 20 Resolutions for the Church Musicians may trigger an idea.

Into the New Year: remembering the past and looking to the future

2011-02-04T11:20:00.001+11:00

After the Summer Break
If your faith community is anything like mine, the place goes into semi-hibernation over the summer break. Sure, worship continues, but all other regular connections are put-on-hold. When we return, people's lives have invariably altered. Some have endured personal crisis, others have resolved to change in some way, and many return refreshed to tackle new challenges. Knowing that people are in this renewal mindset, I find it disheatening when the welcome back presumes everything will continue on as before.

Responding to this new-year mood in worship?
In Australia this summer our nation has endured natural disasters on a scale never before experienced in this land. For this reason, and in this context I have laid out here one way these events may be coupled with a new year mind-set.

While this skeleton plan for worship, or for part of a meeting, is not strictly a musical exercise, I hope it may help to spirit your gathering into the new year with courage and hope.

Bare Bones for New Year Worship

Arrival

Sing a well known song of welcome together (eg: Come as you are, Gather us In, Come into his presence sing alleluia etc...)

Welcome

Pass the Peace

Explaining the process - worship will involve people in small groups, reflecting on the summer just past and looking to the new year. They will be given one minute to spend in personal reflection for each area, and then each group member will be invited to ofer their reflection. It is important groups are evenly sized so that they all take about the same time. Suggest members of each group limit their contributions to about 30 seconds each as a guide. Remind them that conversations can be taken up over coffee later, and that what they say in their small group is just a taster, a starting point. If it seems appropriate for your community, have someone indicate non verbally when each 30 seconds has elapsed. One non-invasive method is to gently strike a chime bar or a triangle. Don't be too rigid with this - if 30 seconds seems too brief, extened it to 40 seconds. Explain that this is not designed for people to have in depth conversations - its just a snapshot. It is most important to make sure ALL group members have a equal opportunity to share.

Create the groups - Group people in fours, mixing the ages - and yes children have had valid summer experiences too, and should be included as long as they are comfortable to do so! Remember to separate members of households.
Sing together - something about the diversity of those gathered

Invite everyone to reflect on their summer - 1 minute silence. Don't offer any specific input, or attempt to guide people's thoughts. Honour their personal experiences simply by offering this space.

Now invite people to remember a win, celebration, personal acheivement or success - give them 30 seconds to think about this then share 30 seconds each with ther small group.

Mark the moment as a whole community with bubble blowing, streamer throwing

Sing a song of celebration and thanks

Invite people to remember a mistake, a sadness, a personal disaster or disappointment in silence, then share (for 2 minutes) in small groups

Mark the moment by writing/drawing on a river stone and dropping into a transparent bowl filled with wateras music is played.

Sing together: a song of healing, and of burdens being lifted.

Remember and then share in small groups (2 minutes) a kindness done to you, a gift, a social encounter, a warm fuzzy over summer

Offer a snapshot of the events of summer (floods, bushfire, cyclone), unrest in Cairo, landslides in Brazil and other matters that may be a special concern to your community. This may be done pictorially, verbally, as a guided reflection.

Remember victims (in small groups) by recalling a moment of empathy, sympathy, a story of service, an image of hope

Mark the moment by lighting a candle

Prayer led by worship leader on behalf of the gathering

Sing something hopeful and uplifting

Now in small groups share a new opportunity or resolution for the new year.

Mark the moment by writing a short letter to yourself. You may chose to save these letters for distribution later in the year, or invite people to take them home and put somewhere they will be reminded of their resolution from time to time.

Sing each other out into the world.

You may also be interested in 20 (New Year) Resolutions for the Church Musician

20 (New Year) Resolutions for the Church Musician

2010-12-17T10:18:00.002+11:00

Most New Years come and go before I've made a decent resolution. This year I am determined to be better prepared. Here is a list of suggestions you might like to run past your faith commmunity, family, actual friends and facebook friends. They are not limited to the institutional church, but extend into everyday.

1. Sing to a child
2. Listen attentively to a child singing
3. Invite everyone you know around for a singalong (just for the fun of it.)
4. Have a fundraising drive to boost the music budget
5. Clean out the music cupboard
6. Buy a new contemporary music source
7. Book a course to extend your skills
8. Recruit a new member to the church band or choir
9. Say "well done you" to another muso
10. Use an instrument you haven't tried before (harmonica, tin whistle, banjo, recorder)
11. Delegate... and trust it will be done.
12. Don't look so busy - leave the packing up until later
13. Sing in places other than the shower, just because.
14. Invite an older person (than you) to play their instrument in worship.

15. Organise an event where instrumentalists of all ages can strut their stuff.

16 Buy a really great drum (toms, djembe, bohran are all great choices)

17. Learn how to drum properly

18. Have a massage, light an aromatherapy candle, breathe deeply.

19. Learn about and listen to a style of music you don't like

20.Sing an really ancient hymn unaccompanied all the way through.

Got another idea?

What is your musical resolution for 2011?

You may also be interested in Into the New Year: Remembering the Past and Looking to the Future

Advent & Christmas Brainstorm

2010-12-11T14:15:00.001+11:00

Perhaps it is the busiest time of year, and yet in Advent and Christmas the most creative ideas come to the fore.

Share what you're planning, or perhaps what you have done in past years, by posting a comment. All ideas are welcome no matter how simple or how grand. you may also wish to scatter thought-seeds around, and invite the embellishment (or otherwise) of others.

Wonderful Singing Moment

2010-11-29T10:48:00.002+11:00

One of the best characteristics of this time of year is surprise. Ironically, spontaneity often takes a little organisation, but it is these unexpected moments that memories are made of.

Watch this wonderful Flash Mob stunt performed recently in a New York shopping centre.
Have an adventurous Advent!
Flash Mob - Halleluia Chorus in a Shopping Centre

A Cappella Advent

2010-11-22T11:05:00.004+11:00

Keeping a lid on Christmas
For worship leaders everywhere, keeping a lid on Christmas celebrations can feel like holding back the tide. End of year festivities, summer holiday preparations (in the southern hemisphere), extra worship services and activities close to Christmas day mean self-reflection and spiritual preparation often take a back seat.

This year, consider having an A Cappella Sunday during advent. Such an approach can provide a stark contrast in the midst of a busy December lifestyle.

Hints for Selecting A Cappella Songs
I have provided a dozen suggestions as a starting point. Be sure to make at least two selections your community know well. Plan to have one sung in unison, one as a canon/round, one in simple parts, and one for which people can invent their own harmonies (eg: Kum by yah) I am certain there will be other songs you will recall as you plan. Your suggested additions to this list are welcome and may be made by means of a post comment.

What is A Cappella Sunday?

May I wish you an adventurous advent!

The Beginnings of a List

Come all you people - Come All You People or All Together Whatever
Glory, Glory Glory (Argentina) - All Together OK
Be Still and know - Come All You People, As One Voice 2
Jubilate Deo (there are many, including Jubilate Servite by Jacques Berthier to be sung in two part canon)
Christ the Worker - All Together Everybody
There is a line of women - One is the Body
Children go, I will send you (African American Spiritual)- There are numerous word versions of this song. I have been unable to find the version i learnt as a child, so have provided what I believe are more seasonally appropriate lyrics here.
Kum By Yah - Come All You People, and many other sources
O come, O come Emmanuel (plainsong melody from the 15th century which is wonderful sung unaccompanied, or with a bass drone added throughout) - many hymnbooks.
The Peace of the Earth (This is a beautiful four part vocal song that might be offered by a quartet as a blessing)- There is One Among Us
Father bless us as we go - All Together Now, Together in Song

How is the Church Accompanying Song in 2011?
What is A Cappella Sunday?
How to teach a song in 4 steps
View other Advent and Christmas material on this blog

Song: 'Oh God Today' by Craig Mitchell

2010-11-18T11:12:00.001+11:00

The supremely talented (and very handsome) Craig Mitchell has provided access to his song, Oh God Today, just in time for Advent. Check out the words, and the manuscript, then listen to the funky band backing provided.

Oh God Today by Craig Mitchell (lyrics and manuscript)

Oh God Today (band backing)