our congregation sing our songs of praise accompaniment so it better supports, but The "Small Musical Sadnesses for a Higher
worshipfully rather than having the band never clutters the vocal melody. Joy” concept is not “one-size-fits-all”. Some
perform for them, we may need to make some
congregations may not need all the changes all
musical and technical choices that we initially If we are willing to make these changes - the time. Some may not need them at all! You
do not like in order to best reach that objective. changes that might require us to absorb some know your people best. You decide!
It’s very likely that we will not be able to utilize musical sadness - the payback is more than some elements of the original artist’s version - enough to justify the cost. Some of the most Pro artists from organizations like Hillsong,
even elements that we like a lot. We may need encouraging and affirming comments I have Bethel, Elevation, Passion and the like do what
to make some rather “un-cool” simplifications, received from team leaders who have been they do, do it well and they have a big impact.
even though YouTube suggests that the artist’s willing to absorb the costs include: But as their YouTube videos often demonstrate,
way of doing the song is best.
they have the freedom to intentionally blur the
“We went from having a congregation that was lines between congregational worship through
If you want more detail of the changes I teach just listening to the worship set to one that is songs and concert performance - and I
and why, I suggest that you dig back to my fully engaged, singing and connecting to what believe they do it all to bring glory to God. But
initial explanation of the concept in the July we are saying about God. It's so great to hear regular, weekend-warrior Church music/tech
2018 issue of WMM. But to summarize, I have everyone singing!” teams would do well to remember that there
found that - in order for a church congregation
is no blurry line for us. We are not performing
to fully find their “voice” - we may have to make “Within 2-3 weeks of implementing Grant’s for an audience. Instead, we are inviting our
potentially unpopular musical choices that ideas, we saw and heard a huge difference in congregation to join the band, sing together
include: our congregational singing. The Church singing and recognize God as the object of our praise.
• loudly together is a beautiful thing to behold!”
Choosing song keys for the congregation
rather than the leading vocalist
•
•
It’s not your job to copy what the pros do on
Utilizing male and female, dual lead vocals “Having our instrumentalists and singers use YouTube. Your job to invite your congregation
most of the time Grant’s techniques paid off instantly! Our to worship God through songs: To create a
congregations were engaged and participating musical environment that clearly and warmly
more than ever.” draws your church community to sing prayers
Consolidating
and
simplifying
song
melodies
•
Resisting solo, performance-style vocal
to God, praises of God and reminders of truth
embellishment But I concede: These comments came from about God. Be the best you can be for your
Removing melody octave jumps (they’re leaders whose congregations - prior to the people in your setting!
impossible for a regular congregation to training - were not fully engaged - not singing well. follow!) And it’s true that no two church congregations • Using harmony vocals sparingly are the same. Some congregations are more • Simplifying like the Hillsong Conference crowd than others!
•
and
solidify
instrumental
February 2020
Grant Norsworthy
Founder of More Than Music Mentor, providing
online and onsite training for the heart and the art
of worshipping musicians.
www.MoreThanMusicMentor.com
Subscribe for Free...
73