Worship Musician February 2019 | Page 137

time? Stay alert to these possibilities. Prepare First responders typically work in pairs, both player. The text doesn’t say David sang to Saul. for them individually and as a team. highly trained. They know they can depend on It says he played for him. Played an instrument. each other for support in challenging situations. No lyrics. No vocals. So, in these moments Are you often the one to creating transitions In that regard, think about how you can share of transition between songs or backing up between first your understanding of harmony with the rest of a prayer time ask the Lord to anoint you like responders. Their extensive training kicks in the team. Or perhaps another musician has a He anointed David. Imagine how the heart of when there’s an emergency so they don’t have strong understanding of harmony. Get all the the Lord longs to send musicians equipped to to grab a textbook or search for an answer musicians involved. Have the full band play respond to the needs of His people. online. They’re ready whatever the situation. a transition like I’ve described above. When So, create some drills for yourself. Take a few one song ends and a smooth, subtle start More than anything, as I consider the set lists from church and think about how you of the next one begins, there’s a real sense implications of the work of a First Responder, I could connect two of the songs. Once at my of momentum and energy. And no dead air! am impressed with the fact that these men and church we sang “Oh For A Thousand Tongues Become a responsive worship team where you women have made it their life’s work to help To Sing” in the key of E followed by “Who You work together well in every situation. people in moments of great need. That’s such a songs? Think of those Say I Am” in A. picture of God’s heart, doing whatever it takes Does anything else come to mind as you think to rescue us. Now He’s giving you and I regular What’s your first response to transitioning about first responders? I’m thinking of the opportunities to bring healing and hope to His between E and A? My training tells me that comfort they bring to people who are in stressful sons and daughters. How will you respond? there’s an important chord shared by both situations. I think that’s a perfect picture of what keys, the A chord. So, if I can find a way to land you and I bring to our congregations as worship on the A chord at the end of the hymn, I could musicians. 1 Samuel 16:16-23 tells of the time sustain that A chord for a bit and then have the David played his harp for Saul. The Scripture band begin playing the intro to “Who You Say says, “Every time David played Saul felt better”. I Am”. This has always inspired me as a keyboard February 2019 Ed Kerr Ed lives in Seattle with his family. He serves as worship arts director at First Free Methodist Church, teaches keyboards in Paul Baloche’s leadworship workshops and is a clinician with Yamaha’s House of Worship. He also manages the Yamaha Worship Facebook group & invites you to join the group. www.KerrTunes.com Subscribe for Free... 137