Koerts Music

Preludes—”Setting the Stage”

James — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 03:15:19 +0000

Everything—and I mean everything—matters when it comes to “setting the stage,” so to speak, for God’s people to worship in God’s house. From the moment the first door is unlocked and the lights are turned on throughout the facility, the church is being prepared for the entrance of its people. Music plays a vital role in this process. Consider the various ways in which music is involved in the “presentation” of our campus.

From the time a church attender steps out of their car, they hear beautiful and worshipful music from speakers which are located in our outdoor flower-beds.
When the attenders enter our buildings, music is playing in all our lobbies and hallways. Our desire is to maintain a spirit of worship and calm while folks “get situated” at their various locations throughout our facilities.
Upon entering the main auditorium, music is typically playing over the loud speakers. This encourages a spirit of meditation and encouragement while folks fellowship and/or prepare their hearts for the worship service.

Often we’ll begin an instrumental prelude (usually piano) a few minutes prior to a service. In my mind, the primary purpose for this is merely setting the stage for the worship service that will follow. I wrote extensively about playing piano preludes here. These are some general concepts that are good to think about regarding preludes:

Choose songs that are well-known.
I know not everyone agrees with this point, but I feel the best songs are songs that the majority of the people know (and love). Sure, it’s possible that most people aren’t listening. But some are, and they’ll appreciate your thoughtful choices. Occasionally introduce unfamiliar songs, but keep them the exception to the rule.

Consider the mood you’re setting.
Let’s face it, you’re “setting the stage” for what’s to come. What does the worship service look like? Ours are typically evangelistic and upbeat in nature, so our preludes should reflect that. Some of our services are more reflective in nature. In those cases, our preludes sound completely different.

Create a dynamic prelude.
Add musical interest by selecting varying meters and key signatures. Avoid ruts at all costs. Try to improvise in various ways to keep interest throughout. The more thought you put into it, the more satisfying it will be.

What are some helpful tips regarding preludes that you’ve found work for your worship services?

Christmas cantata: Promised One

James — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 15:00:28 +0000

I’m very pleased to announce a new Christmas cantata called Promised One. This program, produced by The Wilds, is a compelling and heartfelt story of two young boys, a shepherd’s son and an inn-keeper’s son, and the ways in which their families respond to the news of the birth of Christ. This program is a mix of old and new Christmas music, with original lyrics by Jonathan Cook. It is beautifully orchestrated by Mac Lynch.

This is another program that was “birthed in the trenches” of our local church ministry. We assembled a creative team that developed a unique storyline, and new music that would be a blessing to the church.

Click here to listen to audio clips and view the sheet music.

Writing music for a purpose

James — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 03:59:54 +0000

People often ask me how I have time to write music and keep my day job. (I don’t think I write all that much music; but I guess some people think I do.) It’s true: you make time for what you enjoy. And I enjoy writing music. Truthfully, it’s my No. 1 hobby.

The main thing that keeps me excited about writing music is the fact that I often get to see it be used in a specific way. Whether it’s being sung by our choir or an ensemble, or being played by our instrumental ensemble, or even as a solo, it’s just enjoyable to write something you know is going to be used in a tangible way.

Occasionally I will write a song for a specific publisher, or for a specific project that may never involve me actually using the piece. But my most inspiring music usually comes when I’m creating for the groups and ensembles that I serve with on a regular basis.

If you have the bug for writing music, I’d encourage you to write music for whatever groups you have the opportunity to be a part of. Use them as your “guinea pigs.” Make it an enjoyable experience. Encourage feedback and suggestions. You never know how helpful it might be. (I once completely changed a section of a song based on a random suggestion from a friend.)

Is it ok to use musical instruments in worship?

James — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 20:01:18 +0000

If you follow this blog at all, and if you know I’m a piano player, then you already know the answer to this question: Yes. I found myself agreeing with this video on the issue.

Honestly, I don’t think this is an issue in most mainline churches today, and I certainly don’t want to create an issue out of nothing. I do, however think it’s good to think about these things.

Faithfulness, not success

James — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 23:18:20 +0000

We live in a world in which your worth is based on what you achieve and accomplish. It seems that one’s value is based on one’s level of success. Tragically, this thinking has seeped into the church.

And yet, this thinking goes completely against the teaching of the Bible. God doesn’t emphasize success, but rather faithfulness (see Psalm 31:23; 101:6; Proverbs 28:20; Matthew 25:21; Luke 16:10; 1 Corinthians 4:2; Revelation 17:14). In fact, it seems as though He could care less about my achievements, especially if they are not marked with complete obedience and submission to His will.

We don’t serve an overbearing God who demands our complete and utter success. Instead, He’s more interested in our faithfulness in the process. Instead of being discouraged by the outcome, let’s keep our eyes on the plow.

Even in ministry work, it’s a continual temptation to evaluate my success and worth based on what I do. The truth is, God will never be impressed by me. I recently heard someone say that there is nothing I can do to make God love me more, and there is nothing I can do to make Him love me less. That’s encouraging.

Ironically, this actually motivates me to want to do more, to press ahead, and do great things for God. That’s a good thing to desire, with a great motivation. Scripture reminds us that we are to be “stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). God wants me to be diligent; He’s going to take care of the results.

No related posts.

How to be a great choir accompanist

James — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 03:18:41 +0000

Great choirs have great accompanists. The extent of a choir’s success, to a large degree, is dependent upon it’s accompanist. The choir accompanist plays a vital role in the overall choral ensemble.

As a musician, there’s always room for growth and development. There are some excellent resources out there for church choir accompanists. (An excellent recommendation is Choral Questions and Answers, Vol. 5: Accompanying [Pavane Publishing]. You can check it out here.) I know of very accomplished (and professional) musicians who continue attending private music lessons to further their musical development. Not a bad idea.

There are basics to choral accompanying that are essential. The accompanist is part of the leadership team and, as a result, must remember that greater expectations exist for leaders. Concepts such as arriving on time, dependability, and being prepared for the rehearsal, are critical. Further, a right attitude and team spirit are vital to the success of the music ministry. (This can be especially difficult in situations where an accompanist may feel they have more training or are a better musician than the director.) Finally, a good church accompanist exemplifies godly character and is a role model to young Christians.

Then there are important musical qualifications. If, as an accompanist, you struggle with site-reading or playing challenging sections in a song, be sure to obtain the music in advance for adequate preparation. You should be able to play the accompaniment in addition to the vocal parts at various speeds. Depending on your situation, improvisation may or may not be appropriate. The important thing to remember when improvising, though, is that you follow the chord structures found in the written music, as the voices and other instrumentation are following these chord progressions. (If, when you improvise, you find yourself unable to stick with the harmonies written, you will be a frustration to many of the musicians and the director. You’d be better off to stay with the accompaniment as written.)

If you’re looking to take your accompanying skills to the next level, I’d like you to consider a couple of things. You can develop and master these to become a much sought-after choir accompanist.

Flexibility
Working together with another musician (the director) will probably require great flexibility on your part. The director may have an entirely different interpretation of a song than you. Be willing to publicly embrace all suggestions and ideas, and save your opposing opinions for private appeals. Regardless, be willing to follow and support the direction of the leader.

Anticipation
During rehearsal, an accompanist—if not careful—can actually slow down the choral learning process. Over time you will have the opportunity to study your director and how they operate a rehearsal. You will be able to sense when he wants all vocals parts played consecutively. When he says, “let’s rehearse the tenor section here,” you will be able to know to immediately play the tenor’s starting pitch. Though genuine mind-reading will never truly be achieved (wouldn’t that be nice!), you can develop your anticipation of the process. Anticipation requires attentiveness to details, a clear knowledge of the director’s approach, and an alertness to all instructions.

I’d like some feedback, if you would. As an accompanist, what things have allowed you to excel in your field? As a director, what else would you recommend to any accompanists that might potentially read this article?

We Rest On Thee

James — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 02:33:37 +0000

“We Rest On Thee” is a song of assurance and trust. Our confidence is strong because of Christ—based on who He is, and what He’s done for us.

Publisher’s description:

James Koerts has written a new melody that presents a gentle interpretation of the heroic “We Rest on Thee.” The melody and fulfilling accompaniment enhance the peaceful and restful emphasis of the text. “We rest on Thee through endless days.”

Listen:

We Rest On Thee

Find it here.

Jesus, Draw Me Ever Nearer

James — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 22:00:42 +0000

This song for choir and soloist has a rich text by Margaret Becker. The tune, by Keith Getty, wonderfully matches the text. I believe this song will be a tremendous addition to any church choir’s repertoire.

Publisher’s Description:

In “Jesus, Draw Me Ever Nearer” James Koerts has arranged a prayer for the Lord’s presence through the tasks to which He has called Christians, who are humbly motivated by the prospect of glorification. The pleasing, expressive melody begins with the men and is assumed by a soprano solo over the choir before growing to the resolved climax and concluding on a note of hope.

Listen:

Jesus, Draw Me Ever Nearer

Hope Is Born Again

James — Wed, 26 May 2010 02:45:21 +0000

You might find this choral piece useful for your school Christmas production or for a concert this Christmas. Recently, instead of our traditional candlelight service, our church hosted a special “family and friends” concert. This arrangement was birthed as part of that program.

I know you’ll enjoy this Christmas favorite. I hope it makes a splendid addition to your Christmas repertoire.

Publisher’s description:

Like a warm fire in the middle of winter, this fresh choral offering will fill your concert or worship service with a reminder of the true reason for the season. The sensitive text mixes reflections on the Manger with images of family and friends. An unforgettable song for a most treasured time of the year.

Listen:

Hope is Born Again

Trust in God

James — Thu, 13 May 2010 16:30:11 +0000

What a privilege it was to work alongside the late J. Paul Williams on this song. I am thankful for this godly man and the impact he had on my life. Obviously his lyrics were a visible outflow of his rich relationship with his Savior.

Publisher’s description:

Here is a powerful message of obedience and follow-ship. As the anthem unfolds the confidence of the believer is bolstered by the promises of the text. Motivating!

Listen:

Trust in God